Cannock Chase Harry Potter Event Denied Alcohol Licence After 75 Objections
On Wednesday, Cannock Chase District Council's licensing sub-committee turned down Forestry England's proposal to offer alcohol and music at a Harry Potter-themed illuminations trail in Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire. The event, planned from 1 October to 3 January, aimed to serve mulled wine and Irish cream hot chocolate from 15:30 to 22:30. Over 75 local residents raised objections due to concerns about noise, parking issues, anti-social behavior from past events, and drink-driving risks. One resident emphasized the dangers of encouraging attendees to drive after drinking. Reform UK councillor John Parkes criticized the beverage options, while Jon Payne from Forestry England defended the family-friendly nature of the event. Ultimately, committee chair Maureen Freeman stated they were "not minded to grant the licence as requested." The non-alcoholic Butterbeer remains unaffected.
Key facts
- Forestry England's application to sell alcohol at a Harry Potter-themed event in Cannock Chase Forest was rejected by Cannock Chase District Council.
- The event is set to run from 1 October to 3 January.
- The licensing application sought to sell alcohol and play music between 15:30 and 22:30.
- More than 75 residents objected to the application.
- Reform UK councillor John Parkes claimed "normal men" would not drink the beverages and called Butterbeer "horrendous."
- Jon Payne from Forestry England described the event as "very much a family-orientated event."
- Emily Sewell from Culture Creative Limited said one in five visitors drank alcohol at these events.
- Committee chair Maureen Freeman said the panel was "not minded to grant the licence as requested."
Entities
Artists
- John Parkes
- Jon Payne
- Emily Sewell
- Maureen Freeman
Institutions
- Forestry England
- Cannock Chase District Council
- Reform UK
- Culture Creative Limited
- Local Democracy Reporting Service
- BBC Stoke & Staffordshire
- BBC Sounds
- Cineworld
Locations
- Cannock Chase Forest
- Staffordshire
- United Kingdom
- London