Alcohol Licence Approved for Former Pub Site in St Neots

The transformation of a former pub into a Premier convenience store has advanced following the approval of an alcohol licence. A planning application has been submitted for The Bulls Head in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, which ceased operations as a pub in 2023. Residents on Cambridge Street voiced concerns regarding the proposed extensive opening hours and expressed worries that this could contribute to antisocial behaviour in the vicinity. Huntingdonshire District Council acknowledged having “sympathy” for the neighbours but concluded there was no evidence of noise issues, antisocial behaviour, or crime linked to the premises. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the authority agreed to grant a licence, permitting Nobel Trading (UK) Limited, the company planning to open the shop, to sell alcohol from 06:00 to 00:00. During the council’s licensing sub-committee hearing, some neighbours stated they did not oppose the shop’s opening but objected to the long hours. One man recounted being assaulted by a drunk individual, while another resident reported receiving threats and expressed apprehension that people seeking to purchase alcohol around midnight would “already be inebriated” and “wish to continue drinking.” Nick Semper, representing the applicant, affirmed that alcohol would not be sold to intoxicated persons. He highlighted that the previous pub held a licence to sell alcohol until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. He further noted that the company’s director, Jeyaseelan Thambirajah, is an “experienced and successful retailer” who has never encountered issues with local authorities. In 2022, The Bulls Head was one of 60 pubs across the country chosen by Beautiful South and Housemartins singer Paul Heaton to provide complimentary drinks on his 60th birthday. Mr. Semper stated that the new shop would “revive a derelict premises.” The committee determined there was insufficient evidence to necessitate a reduction in the proposed opening hours and consequently granted the alcohol licence, imposing additional conditions, including the placement of a bin outside the shop. A separate planning application for the conversion of the pub into a shop is currently under consideration by the council.