Carnglaze Caverns appealing decision to revoke premises licence
The Cornish music venue has issued some welcome news for people left dismayed after it lost its licence last month
A Cornish music venue, which is also a popular spot for weddings, has issued some welcome news for people left dismayed after it lost its licence last month.
A Cornwall Council licensing sub-committee made the decision to revoke Carnglaze Caverns’ premises licence after Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service raised safety concerns.
The licence was removed despite protestations from Charlie Perkins, the son of the caverns’ owners Lisa and Tony Perkins, that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regularly inspects the venue which has met all the safety goals set down by the body.
The Rum Store at Carnglaze Caverns, which is based at St Neot, near Liskeard, has been run as a venue for over two decades and has one of the longest wedding aisles in Cornwall. Fire safety concerns have not been raised previously.
The fire service raised three areas of concern:
- Travel distance for evacuation from the stage and seating area
- The absence of an adequate fire warning and detection system
- That escape routes are insufficient and the available exit capacity is inappropriate for the occupancy of 450 people
They suggested the venue’s capacity should be reduced to just 60 people, which Mr Perkins said was untenable and would ruin the business.
Carnglaze has now issued a statement, which contains some good news for people planning to go to a gig there: “Following the advice of our legal team, we are in the process of appealing the council’s recent decision to revoke our premises licence. During this period, we are pleased to confirm that we are permitted to continue with business as normal.
“The Caverns and the Tea Shed will re-open to visitors on Saturday, February 14.
“Concerts and events will continue from March 28, with new gigs to be announced very soon. Tickets are available from our website.
“We really appreciate all the genuine, positive support that we have received over the past few confusing and troubling weeks, thank you.
“Please be assured that visitor safety has always been at the heart of everything we do. We’ll keep everyone updated as the process continues, and we look forward to welcoming you to Carnglaze again soon.”
Blues band Wille and the Bandits are due to play on March 28 with popular Cornish festival band 3 Daft Monkeys booked for May 3 with other events listed on the venue’s website.