The New Cross Arts Centre, a rural arts venue located on the outskirts of South Petherton in Somerset, has successfully obtained an alcohol licence on its second attempt.
Run by New Cross Arts Centre CIC, the centre provides valuable employment and volunteering opportunities for adults and young people with learning disabilities. The recent application to Somerset Council sought permission to sell alcohol within the tea room and at fundraising events held on-site.
Initially, the council’s licensing sub-committee meeting scheduled for late November 2025 was abruptly cancelled after Councillor Hugh Davies failed to attend. However, in a rescheduled meeting on January 6, 2026, the sub-committee granted full approval for the licence.
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Chris Laurie, one of the centre’s directors, addressed the virtual meeting, explaining the purpose behind the licence: “The CIC was established in August 2025 to offer ‘soft’ work experience to people with learning disabilities. This licence will allow us to serve alcohol at planned, small-scale fundraising events such as tapas and wine evenings or afternoon tea with fizz. Attendees can purchase and take home any leftover items or buy additional products.”
Laurie emphasized the centre’s commitment to the local community, noting ongoing cooperation with residents’ associations on both sides of the property to ensure events do not cause disturbances.
Some concerns had been raised by Kingsbury Episcopi Parish Council in October 2025, which feared that the alcohol licence might lead to increased noise, antisocial behavior, and parking congestion in the otherwise quiet rural area. Parish council chairman David Hall acknowledged the constraints: “We had a tight window to consider this application and have received objections from residents. While we don’t want to be killjoys, every application must be fairly judged.”
These concerns were countered by Councillor Marcus Barr of Reform UK, who pointed out that without the licence, events would still proceed with the same levels of noise and traffic.
Ultimately, after a brief confidential discussion, the sub-committee voted to grant the licence, incorporating conditions agreed upon with Avon & Somerset Constabulary, ensuring that the new arrangement balances community interests with the centre’s vital social mission.