The Licensing Sub Committee of North West Leicestershire Council is scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence for The Bull's Head in Ashby de la Zouch. The committee will review the application, which includes proposals for extended operating hours and the inclusion of an outdoor area for alcohol sales, alongside representations received from interested parties.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for The Bull's Head

The main item scheduled for discussion is an application from Ms Selina Wallis to vary the premises licence for The Bull's Head, located at 67 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch. The applicant seeks to extend the operating hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 2:30 am, and to include the external beer garden and car park area within the licensed premises for the sale of alcohol.

The report pack details that an objection has been received from the Ashby Civic Society, raising concerns about potential noise and anti-social behaviour associated with extended outdoor operating hours. The society stated, It is very likely that excessive noise will be made at times and the very fact that the garden is open and that people can consume alcohol up to 2.00am outdoors seems antisocial especially to the people living nearby. ¹

Leicestershire Police have also made representations, outlining concerns that the application, in its current form, could undermine the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The police note that the premises is located within a cumulative impact area, ² where a special policy is in place due to the density of licensed premises. The police have proposed a series of conditions that the applicant, Ms Selina Wallis, has agreed to. These include:

• The supply of alcohol ceasing 30 minutes before the premises closes to the public.
• The installation of a high-definition CCTV system covering all public areas.
• The deployment of Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervisors on Saturdays from 10 pm until closing, with the premises conducting its own risk assessment for Friday security.
• The implementation of a Challenge 25 policy for age verification.
• Restrictions on children under 18 being permitted on the premises on Fridays and Saturdays after 10 pm.

The committee will consider these representations and the proposed conditions as part of determining the application. The report pack also references the relevant legislation, including the Licensing Act 2003, the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029, and statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State.