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 were informed that there had been one previous incident, at which an ambulance had attended. 

Members considered the applicant’s responses and deliberated at length regarding the conditions which should be placed upon the premises licence.

RESOLVED:

That the application by the Townhouse for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence be granted, with the following conditions:

(a)  The premises must operate a Membership Scheme, whereby no person must be admitted onto the premises unless they are a Member, except during events when customers must be fully clothed.

(b)  The Membership Policy implemented at the premises must include a checking / vetting procedure which is undertaken by the Licence Holder before individuals are accepted as members.

(c)  Members attending the premises for the first time must be provided with an induction to the premises which includes an explanation of the rules of conduct to be adhered to by all members.

(d)  Rules of conduct for Members must be published on the premises website and made available on the premises,

(e)  Access to the premises must be vetted initially through an intercom system.

(f)  A Challenge 25 Policy must be operated at the premises whereby any person suspected of being under the age of 25 years must be required to produce identification proving they are over the age of 18 years before being admitted to the premises.  The only acceptable forms of identification must include the person’s photograph, date of birth and either a holographic mark or an ultraviolet mark.

(g)  All staff must be able to access all rooms at all times.  This includes times when doors are locked from the inside.

(h)  Alcohol brought onto the premises by members must be handed to a member of staff on the bar and be served in accordance with a policy of not allowing the consumption of alcohol by persons who are drunk.

(i)  Alcohol must be decanted into plastic containers or polycarbonate vessels if Members take their drinks onto the first floor or second floor.

(j)  A member of staff must undertake inspections of each room to ensure cleanliness, ensure condoms are replenished and to ensure that Members are behaving in accordance with the Rules.  These inspections must be recorded and made available to the Licensing Authority or the Police upon request.

(k)  Personal alarms must be made available to Members.

(l)  There must be at least one member of staff on duty at all times who is trained in First Aid.  The Licence Holder must ensure that an adequate and appropriate supply of First Aid equipment and materials are available on the premises.

(m)  An incident / accident log must be maintained at the premises, and made available for inspection upon request by the Licensing Authority or the Police.

(n)  The premises must implement a zero tolerance drugs policy.