The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee of Swansea Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for a rugby ground. The committee deferred a decision on the application pending further information about a proposed marquee structure.

Premises Licence Application for St. Helens Rugby Ground

The committee considered an application for a premises licence for St. Helens Rugby Ground, home to the professional rugby club, the Ospreys. The application sought to permit a range of licensable activities, including the supply of alcohol, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment, with proposed operating hours extending until 1:00 AM on all days of the week. The Ospreys representative explained that the refurbishment of the historic ground, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, aims to bring it up to modern standards and serve both the professional team and the wider community. It was highlighted that 90-95% of the stadium's use would be for community purposes, including youth teams, university, and schoolboy rugby.

A key point of discussion revolved around a proposed marquee structure, which the applicant considered an indoor space for post-match hospitality. This was due to the need to accommodate league requirements for hospitality, including hosting away teams and presenting Man of the Match awards, especially after late kick-off times for professional matches. The applicant argued that the marquee, a substantial PVC structure with a silk lining, fixed furniture, and a permanent bar, would be a semi-permanent fixture and needed to operate beyond 11:00 PM to be viable for post-match events.

However, concerns were raised by the licensing officers regarding the classification of the marquee. The application's conditions specified terminal hours of 11:00 PM for the sale of intoxicants in outdoor areas and 11:30 PM for consumption, with live music ending at 11:00 PM and cleared by midnight. The officers noted that the marquee had not been explicitly included in these conditions, leading to uncertainty about whether it would be considered an indoor or outdoor space. The applicant acknowledged receiving conflicting advice on this matter.

One relevant representation was received from another person, which was attached to the public reports pack. The committee sought further clarity on the nature and construction of the marquee, including how many sides would be open or closed, to determine its classification. Due to the need for more information, the committee decided to defer a decision on the application for five working days, requesting that the applicant email photographic evidence of the marquee structure and its associated bar. The applicant was thanked for their time and patience.