Opponents of a bid by the landlady of a former problem pub to extend its opening hours have said they feel "disenfranchised" following an "outrageous" last minute decision this morning to cancel a licensing meeting.
Maria Francis applied to Cornwall Council to extend closing time at Three Ferrets in St Ives from 11.30pm to 12.30am. She has also asked for a previously imposed condition that 'all doors and windows are to remain closed during all hours of business' to be changed to allow doors and windows to be open between 10am and 6pm.
Ms Francis maintains the change would mean "that the premises can provide a more open, welcoming and pleasant environment for customers".
The conditions were originally imposed in 2022, before Ms Francis took over the running of the pub, following a decade of antisocial behaviour, including fights, drug-taking and drinkers urinating in the street.
Ms Francis and a number of neighbouring residents who oppose the changes met online this morning (Wednesday, September 16) to put their representations to a licensing sub-committee.
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However, it was announced at the start of the meeting that it would have to be deferred because one of the three sub-committee members, Cllr Nicky Chopak, had a conflict of interest. It came to light at 8.30am, 90 minutes before the meeting, that she had a professional connection with one of the opponents of the licence variation.
A council solicitor said that the meeting would have to be deferred in the interests of justice and fairness as it could be perceived as bias if the meeting went ahead. The decision led to some anger from members of the public, who fear a return of antisocial behaviour if the changes are made, when it became clear some of them were unable to make the suggested new date of September 30.
They pointed out that the person known to Cllr Chopak wasn't actually speaking at today's meeting. They were told that her written representation would have been read by Cllr Chopak, which could also be deemed as a conflict.
One of the complainants, Julian Dowdeswell, said: "Presumably, unless you had only read the papers last night, you would have known for some time that there was a conflict of interest, so I don't understand this." Cllr Chopak said she didn't think there was a conflict of interest previously as the person wasn't due to speak.
"Several of us have made efforts to be at this meeting," added Mr Dowdeswell, who said that he and others would not be able to attend the suggested meeting on September 30. Sarah Lund-Lack and Sherry Siefken-Glossop both said it was unfair that some of those opposing the licensing changes at the Three Ferrets would not be able to speak at the new meeting.
Cllr David Saunby added: "Can I just say that we, as a committee, are just as disappointed that we can't go ahead today."
"I feel very disenfranchised by this and I do feel that it should have been flagged sooner than 8.30 this morning," said Mr Dowdeswell. Ms Lund-Lack added that the situation was "outrageous".
A reconvened meeting with a different sub-committee of councillors will now take place on September 30. Opponents were told they could nominate someone to speak on their behalf if they cannot make the meeting.
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Opponents Angry After St Ives Pub Meeting Cancelled