20/06/2026
Residents of one Cornish town centre say they are "frankly fearful of leaving their homes at night" due to a wave of alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour, violence, and property damage 😬
The shocking admission was heard during a Cornwall Council licensing meeting, where locals laid bare the reality of living near a town hotspot in Launceston.
The scale of the issues came to light as residents banded together to block a bid by a local beer and wine cellar to host alcohol tastings in an alleyway. Opponents claimed the move would essentially create a new bar, bringing increased footfall, noise, and public urination directly under the windows of nearby flats.
However, the business owners fought back, arguing there was zero evidence linking their specialist shop to the area’s wider trouble. Backed by 25 letters of support, they highlighted their 40-year track record of responsible management and even argued their new security cameras and alleyway lighting would actually help deter crime.
Despite the shop's promises to stop tastings 20 minutes before closing, Cornwall Council ultimately sided with the locals. Officials officially rejected the plans this week, ruling that the extra noise would have a negative impact on those living just feet away.
