The Licensing Sub-Committee of Boston Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Pilgrim's Local, located at 3-4 Market Place, Boston. The meeting's agenda focused on this single item, with supporting documents including expert reports and the applicant's detailed operating schedule.

Pilgrim's Local Premises Licence Application

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Pilgrim's Local, situated at 3-4 Market Place, Boston. The applicant, Thiviyanthan Arulananthapillai, proposed to operate the premises as a convenience store with an off-licence, selling alcohol for consumption off the premises between 08:00 and 23:00 hours daily.

The report pack detailed the applicant's experience in managing convenience stores and off-licences, including holding premises licences for other locations. Mr. Arulananthapillai stated his intention to acquire the freehold of the premises and operate it under a Booker Premier Club franchise, employing 3-4 staff, including a manager. He also indicated plans to move to the area and attend the premises daily during its establishment.

Concerns were raised by Lincolnshire Police regarding the premises' location within a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) area, which restricts alcohol consumption in public spaces due to issues with alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB). The police representation highlighted concerns about the applicant's understanding of the licensing regime and the local area's specific challenges. They noted that previous applications for this location had been refused due to similar concerns.

Expert reports from Complete Licensing consultants, Sandy Tracey and Richard Bunch, were included. Ms. Tracey's report detailed observations of the premises and the surrounding Market Square, noting it was clean and well-presented but that the square was busy with shoppers and individuals loitering. Mr. Bunch's report analysed crime statistics for the area, identifying shoplifting, other crime, and violent and sexual offences as prevalent issues, with ASB accounting for 11.1% of recorded crime in a specific hotspot.

The applicant proposed a comprehensive set of conditions to promote the licensing objectives, including restrictions on high-strength alcohol sales (above 6.5% ABV), no sales of single cans or bottles (except larger formats), secure storage of spirits, and a robust CCTV system with 31-day retention. Other proposed conditions included an incident log, a Challenge 25 age verification policy, and staff training.

The report pack also included statements from Peter Hunn, Safer Communities Manager for Boston Borough Council, and Inspector Ian Cotton of Lincolnshire Police, both detailing the history and ongoing issues related to the PSPO and alcohol-related ASB in Boston town centre, particularly in the Market Place area. They argued that granting a licence for an off-licence in this location would undermine existing efforts to combat street drinking and ASB.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider all submitted evidence, including the application, representations from responsible authorities, and expert reports, to determine whether to grant the licence, modify conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the application, all with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.