The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to discuss a range of licensing matters, including a premises licence variation for Headingley Rugby Stadium, and several film certification requests for screenings at Hyde Park Picture House and St Chads Parish Centre. The meeting will also address standard preliminary procedures such as the election of a chair.

Headingley Rugby Stadium Premises Licence Variation

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence held by Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Co Ltd for Headingley Rugby Stadium, St Michaels Lane. The Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory has prepared a report for the members of the sub-committee.

The applicant, Leeds Cricket, Football & Athletic Company Limited, is seeking to:

• Increase the capacity for live music events from 19,999 to 26,000.
• Amend the performance of live music to allow the activity to take place both indoors and outdoors.
• Add two additional conditions to the licence:
  • The licence will permit a maximum of four live outdoor music or boxing/wrestling events over two weekends per year, attracting an audience no greater than 26,000 spectators for each event.
  • The premises Licence holder will create a Travel and Transport Working Group which will include ward councillors, residents, stadium representatives and relevant Leeds City Councillor representatives.

According to the report, the application has received 12 representations from members of the public, including a local residents' association, in opposition, and one representation from a member of the public in support. The representations raise concerns about potential increases in public nuisance, including litter and noise, and anti-social behaviour. Some representations also highlight concerns about inadequate transport plans for large crowds leaving late at night, and the impact on families with young children.

The sub-committee is able to grant the variation as requested, grant the variation with additional conditions, exclude any licensable activities to which the application relates, or reject the whole or part of the application.

Film Certification

The sub-committee is scheduled to consider applications for the certification of films to be shown at Hyde Park Picture House and St Chads Parish Centre. The films under consideration include:

• Amakki (Your Mother), to be shown at Hyde Park Picture House. The applicant has requested a PG certificate.
• There is Another Way, to be shown as part of the Palestinian Film Festival at St Chads Parish Centre. The applicant has requested an 18 certificate, and has provided a written declaration confirming that the film does not contain any content which would more likely than not, render it liable to be classified as R18¹ if considered in accordance with the BBFC Classification Guidelines².
• Three films from the Young Rebel Black short film programme - Menelik Shabazz Season, to be shown at Hyde Park Picture House: Breaking Point, Step Forward Youth, and Blood Ah Go Run. The applicant has requested an 18 certificate for all three films, and has provided a written declaration confirming that the films do not contain any content which would more likely than not, render them liable to be classified as R18 if considered in accordance with the BBFC Classification Guidelines.

The sub-committee has the authority to categorise a film which does not have a certificate from the BBFC³. The sub-committee may also reject or modify a film which has received certification from the BBFC.