To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

There were no declarations of interests made.

To note the rules of procedure which are attached for information.

The Chair announced the procedure of the meeting, which was noted by the Committee.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, Licensing Officer introduced the report which detailed an application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence under Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (as amended by reg 47 (4), Provisions of Services Regulations 2009 ‘the service regulations’) and the Policing and Crime Act 2009 for The Nags Head, 17-19 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1DU.

Mr Ali referred to the appendices in the report and stated where the relevant documents were contained in the agenda. It was also noted that the report author and the Officer who undertook the inspection of the premises was present at the meeting and was available to answer any questions.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Julian Skeen, Applicant’s Legal Representative explained that he would go through sections of the report and address the concerns raised.

He explained that para 3.3 of the report made reference to the existing licence being granted in 2005, he pointed out that this was incorrect and that the Applicant’s father had originally acquired the premises in 1983 and the premises has had a licence for Public Entertainment since 1986, which confirmed the fact that the Applicant was an experienced operator. Mr Skeen asked Members to note the photographs of the premises which were contained in the supplemental agenda pack.

In relation to para 4.1of the report, Mr Skeen explained that under the existing licence there was no requirement for a CCTV camera system, however the Applicant still operated CCTV cameras on the premises. He further explained that during a visit by the Licensing Officer, concerns were raised in terms of the number of CCTV cameras at the premises, within two days of the visit the Applicant had additional digital cameras installed. It was noted that the CCTV images could also be viewed and monitored via the Applicant’s mobile phone which insured an extra level of supervision at all times. Mr Skeen then referred to page 145 of the agenda which detailed a map of the premises and the points where the additional CCTV cameras were located.  

It was agreed that the Applicant was happy for the Licensing Officer to revisit the premises to check that the CCTV camera system met all the Council requirements.

Mr Skeen then referred to para 6.0 of the report and it was agreed that the Licensing Officer and the Applicant’s Legal Representative would consult and decide upon the wordings of the conditions. It was also noted that Members of the Licensing Committee had the discretion to modify conditions or add appropriate conditions.

It was also noted that a comprehensive dance tariff and drinks price list had been supplied and copies of the poster would be displayed in all dedicated areas of the premises. These were also included in the supporting documents.

Mr Skeen then went through the assessment and information for the vicinity, highlighting the fact there were no schools in close proximity and the area had predominately commercial licensed properties. Mr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.1