The Licensing Sub-Committee of Boston Borough Council was scheduled to consider a single application for a premises licence for Pilgrim's Local, located at 3-4 Market Place, Boston. The meeting's agenda also included procedural preliminaries and a decision on whether to exclude the public and press from certain parts of the hearing.

Pilgrim's Local, 3-4 Market Place, Boston

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Pilgrim's Local, situated at 3-4 Market Place, Boston. The application, submitted by Mr T Arulunanthapillai, sought permission for the retail sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 08:00 and 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

A report prepared by Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer, detailed that a relevant representation had been received from Lincolnshire Police. The police raised concerns regarding the premises' location within an area covered by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)^[1], where alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour are noted as prevalent issues. The representation also highlighted concerns about the applicant's understanding of licensing regulations and their responsibilities. Lincolnshire Police requested that the Sub-Committee refuse the premises licence application.

The report outlined the steps the applicant intended to take to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These proposed steps were detailed in the operating schedule, which would form part of the licence if granted.

The Sub-Committee was to consider the application in light of the Licensing Act 2003^[2], the council's Statement of Licensing Policy^[3], and statutory guidance. The report indicated that the Sub-Committee's determination would involve assessing the evidence presented and deciding whether to grant the licence, grant it with modified conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, refuse to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or reject the application entirely. The report also reminded the Sub-Committee of their duties under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010^[4].

Previous applications for a premises licence at this location, made by Jaffna Ltd, were refused by the Sub-Committee in January 2025 and July 2025. The reasons for these refusals, as detailed in the provided decision notices, cited concerns that the applications did not appropriately address the licensing objectives and that there were no conditions that could adequately promote them, particularly in light of the premises' location within the PSPO area and existing issues with crime and disorder.

^[1] A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is a measure introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 that allows local authorities to restrict the consumption of alcohol in designated public areas to tackle issues such as street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. The PSPO for Boston Town Centre was adopted in 2015 and prohibits the consumption of alcohol within a defined area.

^[2] The Licensing Act 2003 is the primary legislation governing the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment in England and Wales. It aims to promote the four licensing objectives.

^[3] The Statement of Licensing Policy outlines Boston Borough Council's approach to licensing applications, detailing how it will promote the four licensing objectives within its area.

^[4] The Equality Act 2010 consolidates and replaces previous anti-discrimination laws. It protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Public authorities, including local councils, have a duty to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people who share protected characteristics and those who do not.