Agenda item

The applicant reported that they had submitted a planning application to redevelop the business and create a gastro venue.  In the meantime, it was necessary to keep trading in order to meet the cost of redevelopment. The premises were Grade 2 listed and obtaining planning consent was taking longer than anticipated.  Facilities had been improved over the past six years and money had been invested in the premises.

In response to questions it was noted that it would be more profitable if planning permission was received, however it may be necessary to use the current structure if there was a long delay. The applicant reported that incidents have been reduced over the years.  The area had previously been a drug area. They had an SIA trained supervisor on site and they worked closely with the police and the licensing team.  £24,000 had been spent on CCTV.  Football crowds were the greatest problem. A formal risk assessment was carried out annually and one was also carried out weekly to review the bookings that week. There was also a quarterly audit. This was a very small premises and it was considered that only one door staff member was sufficient.  Upgrades had been made to the facilities for performers which now included changing rooms and toilets. Performers had a point of liaison. There were alternative exits and CCTV was managed by the reception area 24 hourly.  Performers had an induction process. An agency supplied the dancers. Cash was used and not credit card. They were looking to have two trained SIA registered staff.  They did not want door staff to have a big visual presence as they considered this could be inflammatory.  It was expected that by next year there would be a change in their operation. Staff were trained to manage clientele.  Football fans were not allowed to chant or to block the pavement.  Crowds were not a problem except on match days and this was not an issue related to sexual entertainment. The Sub-Committee noted that there were no SIA staff inside the premises but there were signs up regarding the performers and if there were any problems the door staff would be called.  Staff were experienced and were trained to deal with issues. There were not usually any problems.  The most difficult problem to control were customers using mobile phones to take photos of performers. Situations were managed before they became a problem.  The premises were usually quiet except on Fridays and Saturdays and there were less problems here than at other public houses in the area. Football crowds would always be an issue.

RESOLVED

a)       That the application for the renewal of a sex establishment licence in respect of The Flying Scotsman, 2-4 Caledonian Road, N1 be granted.

b)       That the conditions of the previous licence shall be applied to the licence with the following addition.

·        That the SEV risk assessment be sent to the licensing team for inspection.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Sub-Committee considered the written and oral submissions put forward by the applicant.  The Sub-Committee heard evidence that the applicant’s long term strategy was to remove sexual entertainment from the venue but that there were currently issues with planning and that the applicant needed the revenue to continue until the planning issues were resolved.  The Sub-Committee also heard evidence that a risk assessment was reviewed annually and that there was a quarterly audit by Head Office. There was also a weekly risk assessment particularly in relation to local football matches.  The Sub-Committee heard evidence that an extra member of staff was being trained to SIA standards.

The Sub-Committee noted that this was a renewal application and was satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated high standards of management, a management structure capable of operating the venue and the ability to adhere to the standard conditions for sex establishments.

The Sub-Committee noted that the licensing authority had not received any complaints about the venue and the police had not made any representations.

The Sub-Committee noted the representations from local residents in relation to patrons congregating outside the premises but considered that this would be addressed by the additional SIA qualified member of staff.

The Sub-Committee considered that it was appropriate to attach the authority’s standard conditions for sexual entertainment venues to the grant of the licence with the previously agreed condition and with the additional condition detailed above. The Sub-Committee had concerns regarding the welfare of the performers and was satisfied that the additional condition would address these concerns.