The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Billing Garden Village in Northampton. The applicant, Candi Lewis, sought permission to sell alcohol at her tattoo studio, EyeCanditattoos UK. After hearing from Ms Lewis and considering objections from the public, the sub-committee retired to make a decision, which will be communicated to all parties in writing within five days.

Premises Licence Application - Billing Garden Village

The sub-committee considered a Licensing Act 2003 application for a new premises licence at Unit 2H Glennons Yard, Billing Garden Village, Northampton, submitted by Candi Lewis of EyeCanditattoos UK. The application requested permission to sell alcohol on and off the premises from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday. Ms Lewis also applied to be the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

According to the Billing Garden Village report, the licensing department received the application on 4 September 2025. The standard 28-day consultation period followed, during which several objections were received from the public, as detailed in Appendix B. No representations were received from the responsible authorities.

Applicant's Representation

Ms Lewis addressed the sub-committee, providing background on her experience and qualifications. She highlighted her seven years of service in the South Africa police force, her studies in criminal law and psychology, and her work as a motivational speaker on topics such as addiction, self-harm, sexual abuse, and bullying. She also mentioned her qualifications as a certified master life coach and licensed private investigator.

Ms Lewis emphasised her professionalism and commitment to the community:

I will maintain the promotion of the licensing objectives within my business to serve and protect my community and clients.

She explained that her tattoo hours would primarily be during the day, while the bar would be open predominantly after hours. She also stressed that there would be zero tolerance for alcohol or narcotics consumption prior to tattoo appointments, citing the negative impact on her work quality.

Ms Lewis also presented a letter of support from John Coburn, property manager and facilities manager representing the landlords of Ajay McInnes property, who vouched for her professionalism and community-mindedness.

Questions from the Sub-Committee

Councillor Julie Davenport raised concerns about clients consuming alcohol before appointments and how Ms Lewis would manage this. Ms Lewis responded that clients would be required to sign a waiver stating they had not consumed alcohol or narcotics. She added that she and her barman, who she had invested in to become a designated premises supervisor, would be vigilant in identifying signs of intoxication and would refuse service to anyone suspected of being under the influence.

Councillor Peter York asked about the closing time of Billing Garden Village and whether the bar could remain open until 23:00, even if the centre closed earlier. Ms Lewis clarified that while she has 24-hour access to the premises, she intends to operate the bar until 21:00 from Monday to Thursday, and until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Objections from the Public

The sub-committee considered objections from the public, which raised concerns about the safety and appropriateness of combining a tattoo studio with a bar. Key concerns included:

• Health and Safety Risks: Objectors argued that tattooing requires a sterile environment and that alcohol consumption could lead to impaired judgment, increased bleeding, and a higher risk of infection.
• Unprofessional Conduct: Concerns were raised about Ms Lewis allegedly promoting the consumption of alcohol while getting tattooed on social media.
• Inconsistency with UK Standards: Objectors pointed out that many other UK councils have clear rules prohibiting tattooing under the influence of alcohol.
• Licensing Objectives: Concerns were raised that the licensing objectives would not be met, and that the combination of a bar and tattoo parlour could cause a public nuisance.

One objector stated:

Tattooing is an invasive procedure and alcohol should not be in any near vicinity of it. The whole concept of having one premises that holds both a tattoo studio and a bar I think is extremely dangerous, unless the bar was situated on a completely different floor with separate entrances and open at different times etc

Another objector claimed that Ms Lewis was already tattooing underage clients, which is against the law under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969.

Licensing Officer's Summary

The licensing officer, Michael Sands, confirmed that the application requested opening hours from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.