A PETITION has started appealing the terms of license for the newly re-opened Queens Hall in Minehead.

The Queens Hall went through a protracted process to get its license from West Somerset District Council, however a petition has been started saying the terms are too restrictive.

The petition has already garnered 265 signatures and argues that children not being allowed into the premises while Butlins Adult Weekends are on and not being granted a license to open beyond 11pm.

The petition which was started by local resident Vicky Wynn reads: "The town was so excited when after two long years, the boards finally came off and The Queens Hall finally reopened!

"Only now though do we find out about the many licensing restrictions made by the District Council and the police which mean that the all-important locals cannot enjoy this beautiful venue to its fullest.

"The local community want this venue to stay open and so should the council; it should be nurtured and helped to blossom not whither under the harsh restrictions that have been put upon them.

Owner Claire Sturman said that trade had been doing well in the first few weeks since opening however there had been issues created by the 'restrictive' license.

"We have been open for over a month and trade has been going well. However two of those weeks have been adult weekends when there has been massive sporting events with the Rugby and Football.

"Local people have come wanting to watch the sport on the 27 foot screen with their children but due to the terms of our licence we are not allowed to let in under 18s on Butlins Adult Weekends.

"We had to refuse them entry and that has led to a lot of bad press locally and on social media from people who did not understand that it was not our decision.

"It has proved a big handicap to trade. I have been a licensee for 20 years and I have never seen had so many restrictions.

"From our point of view we feel the licensing terms we have been given are quite harsh. It seemed there had been issues with previous occupiers of the building but that should not passed on to us."

A spokesman for West Somerset District Council said: "The opening hours and restriction regarding children not being allowed on the premises during ‘Butlins Adult Weekends’ at the Queens Hall in Minehead were offered by the applicant.

"Other conditions/restrictions were negotiated and agreed between the applicant, Police and interested parties."