The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to consider applications for new premises licences for two businesses in Leicester. These applications were for Dosti Pan Centre & Off Licence, and Uncle J's Kitchen. The Public reports pack included the agenda, the reports on the applications, and appendices containing supporting documents and representations.

New Premises Licence Application: Dosti Pan Centre & Off Licence

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Dosti Pan Centre & Off Licence, located at 2c Uppingham Road, Leicester. The applicant, Mr Ajay Valgi, sought permission to sell alcohol (off-licence) and remain open from 06:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday. According to the report that was included in the report pack, Mr Ajay Valgi was in the process of applying for a personal licence with Leicester City Council.

The report pack included numerous representations for and against the application.

• Objections: 75 representations from members of the public and four petitions signed by 152 people objected to the application. The primary concerns raised related to all four licensing objectives¹, with specific emphasis on:

  • Increased crime, disorder, and public nuisance due to the high concentration of licensed premises in the area.
  • Noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour affecting residents at all hours.
  • Safety concerns, particularly for women and children, due to loitering and perceived increases in sexual violence crimes.
  • Drunk individuals congregating in a nearby children's park, leading to litter and broken glass.
  • High rates of unsolved crimes in the area, including drug offences, possession of weapons, and theft.

• Support: 100 representations from members of the public and one petition signed by 30 people supported the application. The reasons given in support included:

  • The need for more choice for residents in the area.
  • The belief that the store would not have a negative impact.
  • The need for longer opening hours to accommodate workers with varied schedules.

The report pack also included a list of conditions consistent with the operating schedule, including:

• Staff training.
• The installation and maintenance of a high-definition CCTV system.
• Measures to prevent public nuisance, such as Quiet notices.
• Implementation of a Challenge 25 policy² for age verification.
• Maintaining cleanliness and clear access for customers.

New Premises Licence Application: Uncle J's Kitchen

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Uncle J's Kitchen, located at 166 Evington Road, Leicester. The applicant, Uncle J’s Limited, sought permission to provide late-night refreshment from 23:00 to 03:00, with opening hours from 12:00 to 03:00, Monday to Sunday.

The report pack included representations for and against the application.

• Objections: Representations were received from Planning, a member of the public, another member of the public, and the Police. The concerns raised included:

  • The Planning representation noted that planning permission 20192113 limited the use of the premises to between 07:30 and 23:00 daily.
  • Concerns about late-night noise, smells, and littering affecting nearby residents.
  • Increased parking problems due to customers and delivery drivers.
  • Potential increases in noise, litter, and antisocial behaviour.
  • Concerns from the Police that the premises is in an area of special interest and that the applicant had not proposed sufficient measures to ensure safe management during night-time hours.

• Conditions: The report pack included a list of conditions consistent with the operating schedule, including:

  • Maintaining security cameras.
  • Providing staff training for managing challenging behaviour and handling criminal activity.
  • Keeping a detailed log of incidents.
  • Using clear signage for exits and emergency exits.
  • Ensuring the premises are well-lit.
  • Having staff members trained in first aid.
  • Implementing policies to prevent disturbances upon customers leaving the premises.
  • Ensuring the premises is regularly cleaned and that waste is disposed of responsibly.