Carnglaze Caverns Wins Licensing Battle: Venue Safe to Operate
Relief and Celebration for St Neot’s Iconic Music Venue
After months of stress and legal uncertainty, Carnglaze Caverns has retained its premises licence following a landmark consent order from Cornwall Council. The underground venue near Liskeard, which has operated for over two decades, can now welcome musicians and music-lovers back through its doors with full confidence.
Owners Lisa and Tony Perkins, alongside son Charlie, fought to overturn the January revocation decision made by Cornwall Council’s licensing sub-committee. Despite Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service raising initial concerns, the Health and Safety Executive—the proper regulatory authority for venue safety—had consistently approved the caverns’ operations and safety standards.
The venue’s announcement sparked immediate celebration across Cornwall’s music community. Local bands including Willie and the Bandits and 3 Daft Monkeys praised the decision, with 3 Daft Monkeys calling it “absolutely brilliant news” for “an exceptionally beautiful and well-run venue.” For a region with fewer grassroots music spaces than many areas, this victory matters significantly. The caverns’ unique underground setting and status as one of Cornwall’s most distinctive event spaces—featuring one of the longest wedding aisles in the county—makes its survival essential for local culture.
What This Means for Cornish Music and Event Lovers
For those looking to visit Newquay and explore Cornwall’s vibrant entertainment scene, venues like Carnglaze Caverns represent irreplaceable cultural assets. The caverns’ reinstatement ensures visitors seeking authentic live music experiences have access to one of England’s most atmospheric performance spaces.
Local musicians and event organisers can now confidently rebook shows and celebrations that were cancelled during the licensing dispute. Wedding couples who chose the caverns for its unique setting—with its natural stone arches and underground ambiance—can proceed with their plans. The venue’s dog friendly accommodation policies and overall family-oriented approach mean visitors exploring the wider Newquay area have reliable options for entertainment.
The broader impact extends beyond entertainment. Small grassroots venues across Cornwall face increasing regulatory pressures, making this precedent important. The confirmation that Carnglaze Caverns “always operated within safety regulations” validates not just this venue, but demonstrates that proper HSE oversight ensures responsible operation. Local residents should recognise this outcome reflects their community’s support—the venue explicitly thanked visitors, ticket-buyers, and attendees whose patronage kept the space alive during uncertainty.
Looking Forward: Supporting Local Venues and Community Action
With its licence secured, Carnglaze Caverns is “back in business and excited for the future,” according to the owners’ statement. Locals should mark the venue’s reopening and actively support its return through attendance at upcoming events and performances.
This situation highlights why community engagement matters for preserving grassroots spaces. Residents can support similar venues by attending shows, booking events, and advocating for fair regulatory treatment. When licensing disputes arise, local voices—through attendance records and community testimonies—prove invaluable.
Music fans planning trips around Newquay and the wider St Neot area should investigate Carnglaze Caverns’ upcoming event calendar. Whether attending gigs, booking weddings, or exploring dog friendly accommodation options in the region, the caverns offer something genuinely distinctive. For those interested in licensing matters affecting local venues, Cornwall Council’s Public Notice Portal provides transparency on planning applications and licensing decisions in your area. Watch for any rescheduled events that were cancelled during the dispute, and keep an eye on how other local venues navigate similar regulatory challenges.
Source: Unique Cornish venue says ‘we won’ stressful licensing battle
