Dozens of people and businesses have written in support of a boutique bar’s application to amend their licence so that drinks can be served without food.

Little Palais has applied to alter the licence which is currently in place for their premises at Old Custom House in St Ives.

The application, which is due to be discussed by Cornwall Council’s licensing act sub-committee next week, is seeking to remove a condition that means that alcohol can only be served with food and to allow off sales from the bar. There are no proposals to alter the licensed hours or any other aspects of the licence.

While the application has attracted nine objections from local residents it has also received 51 letters in support with many hailing the bar as being one of the best in St Ives.

Objectors have raised concerns about noise, disturbance and claim that the bar has already breached conditions of the current licence. They claim that the changes could result in anti-social behaviour and issues in and around the venue.

However, the objections are far outweighed by those in support of the application with letters being submitted by customers of the bar as well as the owners and operators of other hospitality businesses in the town.

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The bar was previously located in premises on Barnoon Hill in St Ives and the owners, Richard Crossan and Jessica Sampson have never had any complaints or issues around anti-social behaviour.

St Ives Town Council is in support of the application and highlighted that there had been no reports at the applicants’ previous premises and also said that this was in a “quieter, more residential location”.

Among the people who wrote in support of the application was Ethan Friskney-Bryer, head chef at two restaurants in Fowey, who praised the couple’s business saying: “Supporting smaller, individual run businesses, rather than larger, more generic chains, used to be what St Ives was known for, rather than simply conforming to the ‘Cornish town identikit’. Places such as Little Palais give us the opportunity to support local people doing things for local people in a way which benefits the local area.”

Martin and Joanna Smith, who state that they have owned a St Ives business for 25 years, also supported the application: “Since opening the Little Palais Richard and Jess have, in our opinion, lifted their premises to set new levels of service and offer within St Ives for setting, ambience as well as the service of very high standard products, both food and drink. We think they treat their premises like ‘their front room’ with guests being welcomed and served like friends.”

Stephen Holloway and Sophie Alexander, owners of Source Kitchen in St Ives, said: “We feel that this kind of establishment is a huge asset to the area, a place that provides a relaxed, calm place to have a few top quality drinks. This isn’t about a party, it’s an experience, something that nobody at this site has achieved in recent years. We firmly believe in supporting local and would much rather buy a bottle of their amazing cocktails or wine to take home rather than from a big supermarket or grocery chain.”

Cornwall Council’s licensing act sub-committee will meet on Wednesday (August 17) to consider the application.