A NEW premises licence application for an ‘over 25s only’ establishment on West Street, Tavistock, has been objected to by the town council.

The application for a ‘Mr Foggs Winemonger and Mixologist’ was made by Paul Matthews for 8c West Street and submitted to West Devon Borough Council in August.

As a statutory consultee, Tavistock Town Council is able to give its views on all applications submitted to the borough council which affect the town.

The proposed licensable activities were to supply alcohol for consumption on the premises, provision of late night refreshment, performances of dance, recorded music, and live music, from Sunday to Wednesdays, 4pm to midnight, Thursday to Saturday, 4pm to 1am, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve an additional one hour.

Members of the plans committee discussed the siting of the proposed premises, which has ‘a large number of residential units in the vicinity’ at the town council’s plans committee meeting on August 29.

When objecting to a licensing application there are four main areas which are to be followed — the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

The key concerns members of the council felt were important to address were how the application affected public safety and that it could cause public nuisance.

One aspect of public safety acknowledged by councillors was that customers and staff might find it ‘difficult to safely exit the premises’ as the fire exit was at the back of the property via a steep metal spiral staircase leading into a narrow lane.

Public nuisance concerns included noise from patrons leaving the premises in the early hours, noise and debris from smokers and residents suffering ‘light pollution’.

Cllr Paul Ward, chair of the plans committee, said: ‘Our key concerns are for public safety and public nuisance and the impact it would have in Garden Mews.

‘Garden Mews residents are worried about noise, light, and where the deliveries will be done down their little lane. Plus the collection of waste, especially food waste which might attract vermin. You can see why they are concerned and it’s the close proximity that I am worried about.

‘We are not against an over 25s bar in town but I can’t help but think it’s not the right place.’

Mr Matthews added: ‘The 28 days of consultation period ends on September 8 and as it is still ongoing I think it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.’