Underground venue appeals after licence revoked

An underground music and wedding venue near Liskeard is appealing the council's decision to remove its premises licence.

Cornwall Council revoked Carnglaze Caverns' licence in January following a request from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service which said the venue was unsafe, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The fire service said there was a concern about the distance for evacuation from the stage and seating area, the absence of an "adequate" fire warning and detection system and "insufficient" escape routes and capacity.

In a statement Carnglaze Caverns said it could re-open during the appeal process and added "visitor safety has always been at the heart of everything we do".

The Rum Store at Carnglaze Caverns in St Neot has been run as a venue for over two decades and it said this was the first time fire safety concerns had been raised.

The fire service has suggested the venue's capacity should be reduced from 450 to 60 people, which the owners said would make the business untenable.

The statement said the venue would re-open on Saturday and events would continue from 28 March.

"We really appreciate all the genuine, positive support that we have received over the past few confusing and troubling weeks, thank you," the team added.

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