A PUB in Helston has applied to open its beer garden for an extra hour of an evening.

Cornwall Council's Licensing Act sub-committee is due to consider the application from Cooke Pubs Ltd next Wednesday (October 14).

The company that owns the Red Lion in Church Street has asked for a variation of its premises licence in order to keep using its beer garden until 11pm each day, rather than the existing 10pm stated in the licence granted back in July.

In a report for licensing members put together by council officers, it is stated: "In accordance with information provided on the application for this premises licence, there will be no adult entertainment or services, activities, other entertainment or matters ancillary to the use of the premises that may give rise to concern in respect of children."

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Helston Town Council has objected to the extension, saying: "Helston Town Council considers that 10pm is late enough, as the Red Lion beer garden is in close proximity to residential properties - mainly first and second floor flats in the town centre.

"The town council supported the beer garden planning application on the understanding that the garden would not be accessed after 10pm."

Martin Cooke, owner of the Red Lion, said: "We applied because the smoking deck at the back is already open until 11pm. 
"The only complaint we’ve had has been about smokers at the front in a group. 
"At 10pm, when we have to tell people to come in, it can cause crowding inside. We believe people would come in gradually up until 11pm as it gets colder and make things easier to manage." 

He also address the concerns of the town council over the potential noise aspect, adding: "There have been zero complaints about noise at rear. 

"At the original planning meeting with Helston Town Council they expressed the view that they’d prefer a later licence at the rear, as they dislike smoking in the front.

"Also pre-10pm curfew we had queues forming to get in as we were so busy; if the garden was open that would be less likely to occur."