A popular venue on Plymouth's historic Barbican is seeking permission to serve alcohol from early morning until the early hours. Barbican Restaurants Ltd has formally applied to Plymouth City Council for a new premises licence for Mama Rumba at 46 Southside Street.
Details of the Licensing Application
The application, which was officially submitted on December 16, 2025, seeks authorisation for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. The requested trading hours are extensive, covering 8am to 1am, Monday through Sunday. This would permit on-sales throughout the day and into the late evening, seven days a week.
The applicant is listed as Barbican Restaurants Ltd, with a correspondence address at 32 Southside Street, just a short distance from the premises in question. The application is being processed under the national Licensing Act 2003.
How the Public Can Respond
Local residents and businesses now have a limited window to review the plans and voice any concerns. The statutory notice was published in The Herald newspaper and on the online Public Notice Portal.
Interested parties can examine the full application by visiting the council's licensing office during office hours, though an appointment is required. Appointments can be made by calling 01752 304141. The documents are also available on Plymouth City Council's official website.
Any representations must be made in writing and must relate directly to the four core licensing objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
Submissions should be sent either by post to the Office of the Director of Public Health at Ballard House, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ, or via email to licensing@plymouth.gov.uk. Those emailing must include their postal address. All representations must be received within 28 days of the notice's publication date.
Potential Impact on the Barbican Area
The Barbican is a vibrant, mixed-use quarter known for its residential properties, retail shops, and bustling hospitality scene. The granting of a late-night licence can have significant effects on the local area, influencing footfall patterns, noise levels, and public safety considerations.
If approved, the licence would allow alcohol sales at Mama Rumba for prolonged hours. This may necessitate robust operational plans from the venue management, including:
- Effective dispersal strategies for patrons leaving late at night
- Comprehensive staff training on responsible service
- Strict age verification protocols
- Active steps to minimise any potential nuisance to nearby residents
The public notice also includes a stern warning: it is a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application. The maximum penalty upon summary conviction is a fine of £5,000.
For the most current and complete information, residents are advised to consult the original public notice as listed on the Public Notice Portal or as published in The Herald.
