The report of the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel considered a report from the Head of Planning, Building Control and Licensing.

The Licensing Unit Officer addressed the Hearing Panel, noting that this was a renewal application for which no objections had been received. They stated that the hearing panel could only refuse the application on the basis that any of the mandatory or discretionary grounds had been met. The Licensing Unit Officer stated that no mandatory grounds had been met but it was a matter for the panel to decide if any discretionary grounds had.

The applicant addressed the Hearing Panel, stating that this was their fourth annual renewal application, after having opened in July 2019. They noted the entrance to the premises was discreet, with a sign outside only lit at night. Whilst the venue operates as a Sexual Entertainment Venue, there is also a focus on Whisky, and other drinks in general. The venue attempts to be inclusive to all. The applicant was unaware of any objections, noting in particular the lack of objection from the Responsible Authorities.

The panel sought clarity on the experience of the applicant. The applicant noted they had been running similar premises for at least 7 years.

The Licensing Unit Officer summed up by stating that the Hearing Panel must have regard to the Council’s policy for Sex Establishments, information submitted as part of the application, any observations submitted to it by the Chief Officer of Police and any objections received from anyone else within 28 days of the application. An application should only be refused where the Hearing Panel are satisfied it is necessary and proportionate, with any decision made on non-discriminatory grounds. The Hearing Panel could impose conditions, alongside those agreed as standard conditions for a Sex Establishment.

The applicant was invited to sum up by the Chair but had nothing to add.

In their deliberations, the panel noted the Licensing Unit Officer’s statement that no mandatory grounds for refusal had been met. The panel accepted that no discretionary grounds for refusal had been met.

Decision

To grant the renewal as applied for.