The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced the procedure of the meeting, which was noted by the Committee.

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 interest made.

At the request of the Chair, Ms Kathy Driver, Licensing Officer introduced the report which detailed the 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 Whites Gentleman’s Club, 32-38 Leman Street, London E1 8EW.

Ms Driver explained that the premises currently held a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 that permits sexual entertainment. It was noted that the hours applied for were the same hours as the current premises licence however it was noted that the premises opened at 5pm despite having a licence to trade from 12noon. Ms Driver explained that the Applicant had met the advertising/notice requirements, and all objections were contained in the agenda and additional documents were contained in the supplemental agenda.

It was noted that the Licensing Officer who undertook the inspection of the Premises sought clarification on pricing and CCTV cameras and its coverage of the premises. Mr Driver explained that the details on complaints and enforcement history were jointly received by the Licensing Services and Trading Standards.

Ms Driver 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 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 Philip Kolvin, Applicant’s Legal Representative explained that he acknowledged the range of views from interested parties and as a result has offered extended conditions to help alleviate concerns. He explained that it was a small venue with a maximum of 80 persons at the premises at any one time. It was noted that there were always 8 SIA staff on the premises and increasing to 10 during peak times, together with bar staff there were approximately 16 members of staff on the premises at each time, with a ratio of 1 staff per 5 customers which demonstrated good supervision.

It was noted that the Applicant was happy to accept the standard conditions set by the Council which were set out on page 72 of the agenda.  Mr Kolvin explained that the two matters which arose from the inspection meeting by the Licencing Officer were in relation to further CCTV cameras which was now been adhered to with complete coverage of the area where regulated entertainment is provided and that all performers would now know that their actions were being recorded. Officers from Responsible Authorities can also access this footage at any time. The map of the premise including the location of CCTV Cameras was noted. 

Mr Kolvin explained that 90% of the customers were city workers and they had 27,000 visa transactions last year, he accepted that some transactions were queried but when customers were shown CCTV footage of the incidents they had accepted it.

It was noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.1