The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 21 October 2025 to consider a new premises licence application for Billing Garden Village. The committee decided to grant the licence, subject to several conditions, after hearing representations from the applicant and considering objections from the public.

Premises Licence Application for Billing Garden Village

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Billing Garden Village, located at Unit 2H Glennons Yard, Billing Garden Village, Northampton. The application, submitted by Ms Candi Lewis, sought permission to sell alcohol both on and off the premises between 10:00 and 23:00, seven days a week. Ms Lewis also applied to be the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).

The licensing department received no representations from responsible authorities but did receive several objections from members of the public. These objections, detailed in Appendix B of the public reports pack [Public reports pack 21st-Oct-2025 10.00 Alcohol Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf], primarily raised concerns about the combination of a tattoo studio and a bar, citing potential health and safety risks, impaired judgement for clients, and the promotion of unsafe practices.

Ms Candi Lewis, the applicant, presented her case, highlighting her extensive background as a tattoo artist and motivational speaker. She emphasised her commitment to professionalism and community engagement, stating that her tattoo business operates strictly by appointment and that she has invested significantly in her new premises. Ms Lewis explained that while the bar would be open until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, her tattoo operating hours would generally conclude by 16:00, with the bar predominantly open after her tattooing sessions. She also detailed plans for a mocktail menu and strict protocols to prevent clients from consuming alcohol before or during their tattoo appointments, including requiring clients to sign a waiver. She stated that her tattoo hours would barely overlap with the bar hours.

Councillor Julie Davenport expressed concerns about the potential for clients to have consumed alcohol before arriving at the premises, to which Ms Lewis responded that she would refuse service if she detected any signs of intoxication. Councillor Peter York, Vice-Chairman of the Council, questioned the proposed opening hours, noting that the Billing Garden Village itself closes earlier. Ms Lewis clarified that while she would personally leave by 21:00 on weekdays, her designated premises supervisor would be present to manage the bar.

The sub-committee considered the arguments presented and the potential impact on the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Decision: The sub-committee decided to grant the premises licence for Billing Garden Village. However, the licence was granted with several conditions, including:

• The maximum number of persons allowed on the premises at any one time shall not exceed 50.
• Operating hours for the sale of alcohol will be restricted to 10:00 to 21:00 from Monday to Thursday, and 10:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours were not explicitly detailed in the decision but were implied to align with the applicant's revised proposal.
• A comprehensive digital colour CCTV system must be installed, operated, and maintained to the satisfaction of the Police.
• An incident log must be maintained, recording various events such as disorder, crimes reported, ejections, complaints, seizures of drugs or weapons, CCTV faults, and visits by responsible authorities.
• Prominent signage must be displayed at every public entrance stating the actual operating hours of the premises.
• All staff engaged in licensable activities must receive training on the Challenge 25 scheme, licensing objectives, refusal of service, recognising signs of drunkenness, and emergency procedures. This training must be recorded and refreshed at least every 12 months.
• A written age verification policy, including a Challenge 25 proof of age requirement, must be in place, with acceptable identification being a photo driving licence or passport.
• A refusal register must be kept, detailing all alcohol sales refused, including the date, time, reason, customer description, and any other relevant observations.
• No deliveries or collections of waste or recycling materials will take place between 23:00 and 07:00.
• Sufficient measures must be taken to remove and prevent litter and waste accumulating outside the premises.

The sub-committee noted that while the applicant's initial application proposed opening hours until 23:00 seven days a week, Ms Lewis later clarified that she would only be tattooing until 16:00 and that the bar would operate until 21:00 on weekdays and 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The decision to impose these revised hours and other conditions was made to promote the licensing objectives. The sub-committee stated that any appeal against this decision must be submitted to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of receiving the written notice of the decision.