The Licensing Sub-Committee of Boston Council met on 11 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the application for a new premises licence for A Taste of Portugal and the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre. Decisions were made to grant the licence with conditions and to approve the PSPO.

A Taste of Portugal Premises Licence

The committee reviewed an application for a new premises licence for A Taste of Portugal, a restaurant located in Boston. The application sought permission to serve alcohol and provide live entertainment. The Environmental Health department raised objections, citing concerns about noise and public nuisance.

Councillors debated the merits of the application, with some arguing that the restaurant would boost local business and tourism. Others were concerned about potential disturbances to nearby residents. Ultimately, the committee decided to grant the licence with specific conditions to mitigate noise and ensure public safety. The conditions include restricted hours for live entertainment and mandatory soundproofing measures.

For more details, you can refer to the A Taste of Portugal report and the Environmental Health objection.

Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

The committee also discussed the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre. The PSPO aims to address issues such as anti-social behaviour, public drinking, and littering. The proposal received broad support from both councillors and local residents.

Councillors highlighted the importance of creating a safer and cleaner environment for the community. One councillor noted, The PSPO will provide the necessary tools to tackle persistent issues that affect the quality of life for our residents.

The committee unanimously approved the PSPO, which will come into effect next month. The order includes measures such as fines for public drinking and increased patrols by community safety officers.

Other Business

The meeting also covered routine matters such as the approval of previous minutes and administrative updates. However, these were deemed less significant and did not require detailed discussion.

For a comprehensive overview of the meeting, you can consult the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.