The Licensing Sub-Committee of Sunderland Council is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for BoyleSports, located at Units 3 & 4 (16a and 18), The Green, Southwick, Sunderland. The committee is expected to review representations made against the application, primarily from the Director of Public Health, concerning potential impacts on crime, disorder, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

Application for a Betting Premises Licence: BoyleSports, Southwick

The main item scheduled for discussion is an application for a premises licence for BoyleSports, a betting office, at Units 3 & 4 (16a and 18), The Green, Southwick, Sunderland, SR5 2JE. This application has been made under the Gambling Act 2005. The Sub-Committee will consider the application in line with the Act's licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation.

Representations have been received from the Director of Public Health, who has objected to the application. These representations highlight concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly in the context of Southwick's socioeconomic challenges. The Director of Public Health's concerns are detailed in a representation document, which is available as part of the AgendaPack.

The applicant, BoyleSports (UK) Limited, has submitted a Local Gambling Risk Assessment (LGRA) which outlines their policies and control measures to mitigate potential risks. This assessment considers factors such as crime, shop security, alcohol and drug misuse, underage gambling, and the proximity of vulnerable persons' services and other licensed premises. The LGRA is also part of the AgendaPack.

The Sub-Committee will consider whether to grant or reject the application, taking into account the representations made and the applicant's risk assessment. The meeting documents also include correspondence between the applicant's solicitors, WoodsWhur, and Sunderland City Council's Licensing Section, discussing the nature of representations and the potential for a meeting between the Director of Public Health and BoyleSports representatives. This correspondence is also part of the AgendaPack.