The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 27 July 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was a new premises licence application for Marvel Padel Ltd.

New Premises Licence Application - Marvel Padel Ltd

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Marvel Padel Ltd, located at Unit 8 Riverside Prime, Northampton, NN3 9HG. The application, submitted by Mr Samuel Phipps, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and for regulated entertainment, specifically indoor sporting events. The proposed operating hours for indoor sporting events were from 06:00 to 23:00 daily, with alcohol sales permitted between 12:00 and 23:00 daily.

The report pack indicated that no representations were received from responsible authorities. However, one objection was received from a member of the public. This objection raised concerns regarding the potential for noise nuisance and whether this could detrimentally impact the upholding of the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance. The objector also expressed concerns about the proximity of the proposed premises to Riverside Hub, a children's indoor play and family entertainment facility, and how unrestricted alcohol sales might be inconsistent with the family-oriented character of the area. The objector requested that any granted licence should ensure alcohol remains secondary and incidental to the primary sporting and wellness use of the premises, and proposed several conditions, including restricting alcohol sales to customers participating in activities, prohibiting takeaway alcohol sales, and limiting alcohol sales to after 20:00 hours.

The sub-committee was to determine the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003¹, having regard to the promotion of the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report outlined the steps the sub-committee could take, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a designated premises supervisor, or rejecting the application. The report also detailed the legal implications, noting that decisions must be evidence-based, justified, and proportionate, and that conditions attached to licences must be tailored to the individual circumstances of the premises.

The meeting was scheduled to consider the application in line with the South Northamptonshire Statement of Licensing Policy 2020 - 2025.