Members of the Panel are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Members of the Panel were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made. 

The Corporate Director for Business Management reported upon an application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.  The application related to the premises known as the Townhouse, 9 Union Street, Tranmere.  Members were also asked to determine appropriate conditions to be placed upon the licence should the application be granted. 

A “sexual entertainment venue” is defined as any premises at which relevant entertainment is provided before a live audience for the financial gain of the organiser or the entertainer.

“Relevant entertainment” means –

(a)  any live performance

(b)  any live display of nudity.

The Townhouse currently holds a Premises Licence, issued under the Licensing Act 2003, which permits the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment.

An application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence had been submitted in respect of the premises.  The hours proposed for relevant entertainment were as follows:

Monday  10:30 to 15:30

Tuesday   19:00 to 00:30

Wednesday and Thursday  19:30 to 01:30

Friday and Saturday  20:30 to 03:00

Sunday  14:00 to 00:00

Members held a site visit prior to the commencement of the meeting.  A copy of the application and plans showing the proposed location for relevant entertainment had been made available. 

Consultation had been undertaken in respect of the application.  The applicant had advertised details of the application on the premises and in a local newspaper.  No representations had been submitted in respect of the application. 

The applicant was questioned about the nature of the business and the safety of members using the premises.  The applicant was also questioned about the manner in which data records were to be maintained and how the business was managed. 

Members questioned the applicant on the measures taken to protect members of the club when they were using the various rooms within the premises, including measures relating to health and safety.  Details were provided, which included a vetted membership scheme, a through induction process for new members and staff monitoring in respect of the adherence to membership rules.

The applicant was questioned about their intended opening hours.  The applicant stated that they chose not to be open every day.  The applicant was also questioned about their drinks policies.  They stated that drinks were allowed to be brought into the premises on Saturday evenings only.  They had to be placed in lockers and were served by staff in accordance with the membership rules.  Only cold, soft drinks could be taken upstairs.  Only polycarbonate glass was used. 

The applicant was asked about their policies on alcohol and drugs.  They stated that bags were searched upon entry and UV lights were used, to detect drugs.  The applicant was also asked about the availability of personal alarms.  They stated that personal alarms were available, if requested.  However, the applicant stated that to date, they had not been used.

The applicant was also questioned in relation to whether there had been any incidents on the site which had required medical attendance.  Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.