A significant licensing application has been submitted for a popular Exeter social venue, potentially altering the late-night landscape of the local area. Anthony Gordon, the applicant, is seeking a new premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for the Polsloe and Priory Social Club, located at Elmside House on Elmside in Exeter, postcode EX4 6LR.
Proposed Late-Night Operations
The detailed proposal outlines extended trading hours that would see the club operate with increased activity into the early hours. The application seeks permission for the sale of alcohol on all seven days of the week, with particularly late finishes proposed for weekends.
Detailed Hourly Breakdown
The submitted plans provide a clear schedule for the various activities requested:
- Alcohol Sales: Monday to Tuesday until 11:30pm; Wednesday through Sunday until 1:30am.
- Live Music: Exclusive to Friday and Saturday evenings, from 7pm until Midnight.
- Recorded Music and Entertainment: Monday and Tuesday until Midnight; Wednesday through Saturday until 2am; Sunday until Midnight.
This structure indicates a focus on weekend entertainment, with recorded music and general entertainment permitted until 2am from Wednesday to Saturday, creating a substantial late-night offering.
Public Consultation Process Now Open
The formal notice of this application has been published in the Exeter Express & Echo newspaper and is also available on the Public Notice Portal, initiating the statutory consultation period. Local residents and interested parties now have the opportunity to examine the plans and submit their views.
How to Access the Application
The full application documents can be inspected in person at Exeter City Council's Civic Centre on Paris Street, Exeter EX1 1JN, during normal office hours. Alternatively, the details are accessible online via the council's dedicated Applications in progress webpage, providing convenient digital access for the community.
Making a Representation
Any individual, business, or responsible authority, such as the police or environmental health, wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their written representation to the licensing authority. The strict deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, 11th February 2026.
It is crucial that any comments are clear, relevant, and based on factual concerns. The council specifically encourages those who believe they may be adversely affected by the licence grant to participate. The licensing authority will give due consideration to all representations that relate to the core licensing objectives.
Licensing Objectives and Potential Impact
If approved, this licence would legally permit the late-night sale of alcohol and the hosting of entertainment at Elmside House. This decision could have notable implications for the immediate locality, influencing factors such as:
- The character of the local night-time economy.
- Noise levels in the residential area surrounding EX4 6LR.
- The use and atmosphere of nearby local amenities.
In assessing the application, Exeter City Council is legally bound to consider how the proposal aligns with the four key licensing objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder.
- Public safety.
- The prevention of public nuisance.
- The protection of children from harm.
Representations from the public should ideally connect their concerns to one or more of these statutory objectives to be most effective.
Legal Responsibilities for Commenters
Potential respondents are reminded of the serious legal obligations when making a representation. It is a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application. Upon summary conviction, an individual found guilty of this offence faces an unlimited fine, underscoring the importance of truthful and evidence-based comments.
For comprehensive details, residents are advised to review the full application either at the Civic Centre or online. Staying informed about such public notices allows the community to actively shape local licensing decisions that affect their neighbourhood's environment and character.
