The Licensing Sub-Committee of Boston Borough Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Mr Tee's Local. The meeting's agenda also included preliminary items such as the election of a chair and the declaration of interests.

Application for a Premises Licence: Mr Tee's Local

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application for a premises licence for Mr Tee's Local, located at 12 Red Lion Street, Boston. The applicant, Perkins Newsagent Ltd, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays. The proposed opening hours for the premises were to align with these alcohol sales hours.

The report pack indicated that Lincolnshire Police had submitted a relevant representation concerning this application. Their concerns were primarily focused on the premises' location within an area covered by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)¹, which restricts the consumption of alcohol in public spaces. The police highlighted that alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour were issues in this area.

The applicant's operating schedule outlined proposed steps 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 included measures such as installing a tamper-resistant CCTV system, training staff on the Licensing Act 2003, maintaining a refusals book and an incident book, and not selling super-strength beers, lagers, or ciders above 6.5% ABV. Additionally, the applicant proposed that for cans and bottles of beer, lager, and cider under 500ml, a minimum of three items per transaction would be required. The operating schedule also detailed a Challenge 25 ² policy for age verification.

Lincolnshire Police's representation raised concerns that the proposed conditions were not comprehensive enough given the premises' location within the PSPO area and the identified hotspot status of Red Lion Street for crime and anti-social behaviour. They noted that previous premises licence applications in similar locations within Boston had been refused due to concerns about crime and disorder, and public nuisance. The police also referenced the Boston Borough Council's Statement of Licensing Policy³, which outlines expectations for premises operating within PSPO areas, including measures such as clear windows (at least 75% clear), appropriate alcohol labelling, and potentially a personal licence holder being on the premises during operating hours.

The report pack also included a lease agreement for 12 Red Lion Street, Boston, detailing the terms between the landlord and the tenant, Perkins Newsagent Ltd. Additionally, a premises licence summary for Perkins Newsagents at 7 Market Place, Horncastle, was provided, outlining their existing licence for off-sales of alcohol.

The report to the committee detailed the legal framework for determining such applications, including the steps the Licensing Sub-Committee could take, such as granting the licence with conditions, modifying conditions, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely. The report also highlighted the importance of considering human rights and equality implications.

The documents also contained statements from Peter Hunn, Boston Borough Council's Safer Communities Manager, and Inspector Ian Cotton of Lincolnshire Police, detailing the history and ongoing issues related to street drinking and anti-social behaviour within Boston town centre, particularly in relation to the PSPO. These statements provided statistical data on enforcement actions and incidents, underscoring the concerns about the potential impact of a new off-licence in the area. The location of Centrepoint Outreach⁴, a facility supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals, on Red Lion Street was also highlighted.

The report pack also included previous decision notices from the refusal of premises licence applications for 3-4 Market Place, Boston, in January and July 2025, which were also located within the PSPO area and faced similar objections from Lincolnshire Police.