Cornwall pub says it won’t go back to its ‘wild west’ days after concerns from residents

A pub once described as the “wild west” wants to overturn a string of strict conditions that were imposed two years ago. The rules were put in place after people living nearby said they experienced abusive language, fights and drinkers urinating in the street.

The new owners of the Three Ferrets in St Ives and their supporters said they had turned the pub around and the restrictions were making business difficult. However, residents living near the pub in Chapel Street fear the changes to the license will see a return to the anti-social behavior that has blighted their lives for a decade.

A Cornwall Council licensing committee will decide next week whether licensees Maria Francis and Ann Arrowsmith can make the changes.

Read more: Troubled pub given strict rules and reduced opening hours

Read more: Pub license reviewed after complaints of drugs, fights and street urination

They would like permission to have live music in the Three Ferrets until midnight and extend the hours from 9am to 11.30pm to 12.30am. The couple also want previous conditions removed, including a ban on entering after 10pm and a requirement that all doors and windows remain closed after 6pm. They claim this creates an uncomfortable environment inside the pub, which becomes hot and stuffy.

There was no objection from the relevant authorities such as the police, health and safety and public health. However, the council received representation from 15 residents against the application, while ten people submitted comments in support.

Get the best stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you want Here.

Among the comments against it are:

“At the time of a review in October 2022 the conduct of the Three Ferrets was absolutely appalling and this was meticulously highlighted by CCTV footage from local residents and you will be aware of how bad this situation was. Since the review, the behavior has improved. resulting in a substantial reduction in public nuisance and crime and disorder.

“The request to remove most of the conditions recently imposed after careful consideration at the council’s expense is simply unacceptable and should not be considered. It is extremely rare for a licensed venue to be subject to review by members of the public, but the evidence against them has been overwhelmingly in our favor and I don’t think there is any justification for additional allowances at the expense of the quiet enjoyment of others.”

Another local said: “This is a residential area with a considerable number of permanent residents alongside some holiday cottages. The quality of life for all these people will be significantly adversely affected if the licensing team grants the application, as it increases the likelihood of anti-social behavior as previously occurring.”

One of those opposed to the license said there had been regular fighting, open drug use and dealing and people urinating on private property in the area around the pub before the magistrate reviewed the licence. “There is a strong likelihood that, without serious licensing constraints, the Three Ferrets will quickly revert to their previous appalling behavior and lack of respect for either local residents or the licensing authority.”

Another group of neighbors say they are “deeply concerned about the negative impact this expansion will have on the safety, peace and well-being of our community.” They say since they moved to the area last year, they’ve regularly witnessed fights and even put food through their front door.

Comments in support include:

“The girls have respected all the restrictions that have been placed on them previously and have shown that they can handle the situation admirably. I’m sure they will be able to satisfy anyone who has concerns with their current approach.”

“Under the new ownership, the headquarters has made a complete turnaround. Door staff and bouncers have strict anti-social behavior policies and are extremely efficient in their duties. The Three Ferrets have a new and exciting feel, bringing back the establishment we all know, love and respect.”

“Since the current owners took over, the pub has undergone a dramatic transformation. It is now a welcoming and safe place, unlike four years ago when I stopped visiting because of the deteriorating atmosphere.”

The licensee, Mrs Francis, wrote to the council in support of her application, pointing out that she and her team have now run the pub in a positive and responsible way since taking up the lease with her partner Ann at the end of 2022 and have supported all licensing restrictions. However, she argues that many of the conditions are hurting businesses.

⚠️ Want the latest breaking Cornwall news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we’ll send you breaking news and top stories straight to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read Privacy Notice.

She said a no-after-10pm restriction “has caused a financial strain on our business. Every week we are forced to turn away potential customers and subsequently lose hundreds if not thousands of pounds in revenue.” M Francis added that a condition that the blinds be closed at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays had become a health and safety issue as door security staff could not see inside the pub.

She stressed that she was not trying to restore the pub to its former state, but urged the council to “consider our dedication to maintaining a responsible and enjoyable establishment, free from the constraints imposed by past associations”, which are “overshadowed by the reputation of the former. owners”.

At a licensing meeting in 2022, the pub’s former owner, John Bestwick, apologized to residents for putting up a sign in the pub complaining that people were “complaining” and making complaints about the three ferrets

A licensing committee will make a decision on the new application on Wednesday 17 July.