The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee of Leicester Council was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Victoria Park. The meeting's agenda also included the confirmation of minutes from previous meetings.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Victoria Park, Leicester, LE1 7RY

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Victoria Park, Leicester, LE1 7RY. The application, submitted by Charles Raye Ltd, proposed licensable activities including live music, the supply of alcohol, and extended opening hours for a Summer of Funk festival.

The report pack indicated that representations were received from Leicestershire Police, a member of the public, and Licensing Enforcement.

Leicestershire Police's representation, submitted by PC Jefferson Pritchard, raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. While acknowledging the applicant's proposed mitigating measures, the police felt some were vague and not enforceable. They proposed a series of additional conditions, including specific ratios for Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervisors, mandatory counter-terrorism training for senior staff, and a zero-tolerance drugs policy. The police noted that discussions had taken place with the applicant, and an agreement on these conditions was reached, reflected in a signed agreement dated 24 April 2026.

A representation was also received from Licensing Enforcement Manager Bobby Smiljanic. This representation highlighted concerns about the potential undermining of all four licensing objectives if the application were granted in its current format. The report detailed a comprehensive list of additional conditions proposed by the Licensing Authority, covering various aspects such as event management plans, crowd management, noise management, public safety, and the prevention of harm to children. These conditions were developed in consultation with multiple agencies, including Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service, and the Noise & Pollution Team.

A representation from a member of the public, Bobby Smiljanic, also raised objections on the grounds of public nuisance and public safety. Concerns were expressed about the use of the community field within Victoria Park for an event of this size, citing potential safety hazards for families and dog walkers due to vehicle movement and the placement of fencing. The resident also highlighted issues with noise travelling to residential areas, particularly affecting sheltered flats for older people, and noted that the proposed finish time of 10:30 pm was later than usual for park events. The representation also mentioned a lack of clear information regarding music noise levels and insufficient engagement with residents regarding summer event programmes.

The report pack included the applicant's operating schedule, which detailed the steps intended to promote the licensing objectives. This included plans for crowd management, security provision, medical support, and a noise management plan. The applicant also outlined an Alcohol Management Plan, including a Challenge 25 policy and a confiscation policy for alcohol.

The Sub-Committee was to consider whether to grant the licence without modification, grant it subject to conditions, exclude licensable activities, refuse to accept the proposed premises supervisor, or reject the application entirely. The report pack indicated that conditions consistent with the operating schedule and those agreed with the police were attached.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of its previous meetings held on 23 January 2026 and 4 February 2026. The minutes from the 23 January 2026 meeting detailed a hearing concerning a review of an existing premises licence for Victoria News and Booze, 81 Howard Road, Leicester. This review involved representations from Leicestershire Police and Trading Standards regarding underage sales, illegal vape and tobacco products, and poor management. The Sub-Committee was to consider the review of the licence and the removal of Paramjeet Kaur as the Designated Premises Supervisor.

The minutes from the 4 February 2026 meeting documented a hearing for a new premises licence application for 261 Express, 261 Hinckley Road, Leicester. Representations from members of the public had raised concerns about increased noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. The Sub-Committee was to consider the new premises licence application.