Issue - meetings

Admiral Bars (Hampshire) Limited have applied for the renewal of the licence to use the premises as a sexual entertainment venue, providing relevant entertainment, for a further twelve-month period. A variation to the second-floor plan is also requested in order to bring it in line with the Licensing Act 2003 premises licence plan, which was granted by way of minor variation on 15th April 2022. In addition, the applicant wishes to seek the approval of a new widow display.

This matter is brought before the Sub-committee for consideration.

Present:

From BCP Council:

Sarah Rogers,  Senior Licensing Officer

Nananka Randle, Licensing Manager

Michelle Cutler, Clerk to the Sub-Committee

Matt Lewin – Barrister, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee

The Chair made introductions and explained the procedure for the hearing which was agreed by all parties.

The Licensing Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated and a copy of which appears as Appendix A to these minutes in the Minute Book.

The Sub-Committee was asked to consider an application made by Admiral Bars (Hampshire) Limited for the renewal of the licence to use the premises as a sexual entertainment venue, providing relevant entertainment, for a further twelve-month period. A variation to the second-floor plan was also requested in order to bring it in line with the Licensing Act 2003 premises licence plan, which was granted by way of minor variation on 15th April 2022. In addition, the applicant sought the approval of a new widow display.

The Licensing Authority received 4 valid objections.

The following persons attended the hearing and addressed the Sub-Committee to expand on the points made in their written submissions:

For the Applicant:

Robert Sutherland, Keystone Law, representing the Applicant

Alastair Weatherstone (Director of Applicant Company)

Objecting:

Susan Stockwell

Cllr Dunlop

Cllr Northover

The Sub-Committee asked various questions of all parties present and was grateful for the responses received. All parties had the opportunity to ask questions. All parties were invited to sum up before the Sub-Committee retired to make its decision. Before concluding the hearing, the Legal Advisor advised all parties of the right of appeal.

RESOLVED that the licence be renewed and the variation to the layout be granted, but consent for the proposed external display be refused.

Reason for Decision

1.              On 20 July 2022, a hearing was held to determine an application by Admiral Bars (Hampshire) Ltd (“the Applicant”) for: 

a.     the renewal of a Sexual Entertainment Venue (“SEV”) licence at Temptation, 1 Yelverton Road, Bournemouth (“the Venue”), 

b.     a variation to the second-floor plan; and 

c.     approval of a new external display. 

2.              In making the decision, the Sub-Committee have taken into account: 

·       the reports pack (which includes the application form and objections) 

·       evidence presented and submissions made by the parties at the hearing 

·       the Council’s Sex Establishment Policy (“the Policy”) and guidance issued by the Home Office 

3.              The decision of the Sub-Committee is to renew the licence and grant the variation to the layout, but to refuse consent for the proposed external display.  The reasons for the decision are as follows. 

4.              The Venue has operated as a lap dancing club for 17 years, principally as Spearmint Rhino under different ownership.  It has held an SEV licence since 2010.  The licence was last renewed in June 2021.  The licence was transferred to the Applicant in October 2021.  

5.              The application was advertised and the Council received objections from five members of the public.  Neither Dorset Police nor any other responsible authority objected to the application.   

6.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40