The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Foresters Arms. The meeting will also include procedural items such as the appointment of a Chair.

Application for a New Premises Licence: The Foresters Arms

The primary item for discussion is an application for a new premises licence for The Foresters Arms, located at 17 Frog Island, Leicester LE3 5AG. The report pack details the proposed licensable activities, which include the sale of alcohol, playing of recorded music, and the exhibition of films, all proposed to run from 10:00 to 02:00 daily, with the premises opening from 07:00 to 02:00.

Representations have been received from Leicestershire Police, an interested party representing One Church, and another interested party representing Warning Zone.

Leicestershire Police's representation, submitted by Sgt 2107 Nicholas Golden, initially raised concerns regarding the proposed external extension of the licensed area into the car park. However, an agreement has been reached with the applicant, AD345 Limited, which includes amendments to the proposed opening hours and the addition of several conditions. These conditions cover CCTV, an incident log, a Challenge 25 policy, a risk assessment process for events, the use of appropriate glassware for external service, a maximum capacity for the rear garden, an active noise management plan, and specific measures to mitigate impact on the adjacent primary school on Slater Street. The police state that with these conditions agreed, a hearing is neither necessary nor required .

The representation from One Church, located opposite the proposed venue, expresses strong objection to the application. They highlight concerns about the proposed operating hours of 10:00 to 02:00 seven days a week, deeming them wholly unsuitable for the surrounding residential area . They also note the lack of dedicated parking, which they believe will exacerbate existing parking issues. A significant concern is the potential risk to the young and vulnerable individuals who attend their venue, citing the possibility of exposure to aggressive language, inappropriate behaviour, and alcohol-related incidents. They believe that similar venues in the area have caused major disturbances requiring police attendance and that the proposed hours and alcohol availability increase the likelihood of anti-social behaviour. They also raise concerns about public safety due to increased footfall and traffic congestion, and prevention of public nuisance from noise and litter. Crucially, they state that Due to the location, proposed hours, and type of venue, we do not believe any conditions could fully mitigate these risks.

The representation from Warning Zone, an organisation that educates children about the risks of crime and anti-social behaviour, also objects to the application. They are concerned that the proposed operating hours until 02:00, seven days a week, will lead to increased anti-social behaviour and disorder. They highlight that their centre is attended by large numbers of 10-11 year old children and that the proximity of a late-night licensed premises undermines the preventative ethos of our work . They are particularly worried about the safety of children accessing their premises, especially after late-night trading, and the cumulative impact on an area that is fundamentally educational and child-focused during the daytime . They also express concern that the proposed hours and alcohol availability create a high-risk environment in terms of exposure, normalisation of drinking culture, and the potential for children to witness intoxication, disorder, or alcohol-related incidents. They state that the proposed premises would operate directly adjacent to a children's education centre and next to a primary school.

The report pack also includes the application form submitted by AD345 Limited, detailing the proposed licensable activities and operating schedule. It outlines the steps the applicant proposes to take to promote the licensing objectives, including CCTV, trained staff, responsible alcohol sales, noise control, and measures to protect children from harm. The report also details the conditions that are consistent with the application and the representations received.

The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee will need to consider the application, the representations received, and the proposed conditions in line with the Licensing Act 2003¹, the statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Act, and the council's own Statement of Licensing Policy.