The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee of Leicester City Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for BoyleSports, a betting shop proposed for 259b Narborough Road, Leicester. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Application for a New Premises Licence - BoyleSports

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a new premises licence for BoyleSports, to be located at 259b Narborough Road, Leicester. The application, submitted under the Gambling Act 2005, sought permission for the premises to operate as a betting shop between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.

The report pack indicated that the Sub-Committee would consider whether to grant the application as requested, grant it with additional conditions, or refuse it entirely. The decision would be based on promoting the three licensing objectives outlined in the Gambling Act 2005: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation.

Two representations were received from members of the public concerning the application. These representations raised concerns about the potential negative social impact of a new betting shop, including increased financial hardship, family breakdowns, and addiction. Concerns were also voiced regarding the potential for increased crime and disorder, such as theft, fraud, and money laundering, and the association of the premises with anti-social behaviour like street drinking. The proximity of the proposed location to residential areas, schools, and community centres was highlighted as a particular concern.

The report pack also detailed the mandatory and default conditions that would apply to any granted licence. These include displaying a notice stating that no person under 18 is permitted to enter, ensuring access is from a street or another licensed betting premises, and prohibiting direct access to premises used for retail sales. There are also conditions regarding the use of ATMs, the display of information about sporting events and betting, and restrictions on the sale of publications, music, dancing, and the consumption of alcohol on the premises. Default conditions stipulate that no gambling facilities can be provided between 10 pm and 7 am.

The applicant, BoyleSports (UK) Limited, had submitted a Local Gambling Risk Assessment outlining how they intended to uphold the licensing objectives. The report pack also referenced relevant sections of the Gambling Commission's statutory guidance and Leicester City Council's Statement of Licensing Principles.

Points for clarification were to be put to both the applicant and the parties who made representations. The applicant was expected to address whether they considered the concerns raised in the representations to be valid and if they wished to propose any additional steps to promote the licensing objectives. Those making representations were to be asked if they had additional information to support their concerns or if there were alternative steps that could effectively promote the licensing objectives.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in public, with a procedural guide outlining the steps for hearings, including introductions, the presentation of reports, questioning, summing up, and decision-making. The decision of the Sub-Committee was to be made public within five working days of the meeting.