Here is a summary of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 30 September 2025. The main item to be discussed is a new premises licence application for Black Dam Food and Wine. The sub-committee will also consider whether to exclude the public from the remainder of the meeting for a discussion of matters involving the likely disclosure of exempt information.

New Premises Licence Application

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider a new premises licence application relating to 1 Rucstall Centre, Holbein Close, Basingstoke, RG21 3QN, for a new off-licence store to be known as Black Dam Food and Wine. The application, submitted on 5 August 2025, seeks to allow the sale of alcohol at the site Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 23:00, with the premises open and operational during the same hours.

The report pack includes the application form, operating schedule, representations from other parties, mediation communications, extracts from the Shared Licensing Services Statement of Licensing Policy, and extracts from section 182 guidance¹ of the Licensing Act 2003².

Location and Context

The Rucstall Centre at Black Dam is described as a small precinct of shops in a residential area, consisting of a Chinese takeaway, a hair salon, and a community centre. The premises is in close proximity to Rucstall Primary School.

Representations

During the statutory 28-day consultation period, the council received eight opposing representations from local residents, raising concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder. A prominent concern relates to residents' fears that anti-social behaviour will arise outside the premises. The report pack notes that concerns about other premises, the number of premises in the area, or the commercial need for further alcohol outlets cannot be taken into consideration.

The report pack states that:

Members must focus on the effect of the proposed licensable activities at specified premises on persons living near the premises which may be unreasonable. Consideration should be given to the likelihood of ASB/nuisance emanating from the applicants proposed operation and the sale of alcohol from the premises.

Mediation was attempted between the applicant and residents, focusing on the operating schedule and steps offered by the applicant to promote the licensing objectives.

Applicant's Operating Schedule

The applicant's operating schedule includes the following steps to promote the four licensing objectives:

• General: Strict implementation of Challenge 25 policy³, CCTV installation with a 31-day recording system, and staff training in responsible alcohol retailing.
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: CCTV to Home Office Guidance standards, intruder alarm with panic button, incident log, documented staff training, UK right to work status checks for all staff, alcohol purchased from AWRS⁴ registered suppliers, and no self-service of spirits.
• Public Safety: Installation of appropriate safety equipment and fire exit signs.
• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Notices asking customers to leave quietly, a strict policy not to serve alcohol to drunks, and signage informing customers they are being recorded on CCTV.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Challenge 25 policy, acceptance of only photographic identification documents (passport, photo-card driving licence, or PASS⁵ card), a refusal book, and a No proof of age – No sale sign.

Options Available to the Sub-Committee

The sub-committee can take the following steps, as outlined in section 18(4) of the Licensing Act 2003:

• Grant the licence subject to conditions modified to promote the licensing objectives, and any mandatory conditions.
• Exclude from the scope of the licence any of the licensable activities to which the application relates.
• Refuse to specify a person in the licence as the premises supervisor.
• Reject the application.

The report pack notes that any appeal against the decision may be made to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of all parties being notified.

Exclusion of Public

The sub-committee will consider passing a resolution to exclude the public from the remainder of the meeting, if necessary, pursuant to Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972⁶. This would be on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing information defined in paragraph [] of Schedule 12A of the Act.