Issue - meetings

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE NO. 6

(“The Committee”)

Thursday 25 May 2023 – Item 3

Membership:   Councillor Robert Eagleton (Chair),

             Councillor Concia Albert and Councillor Jim Glen

Officer Support:       Legal Adviser:              Viviene Walker

                                Policy Officer:               Daisy Gadd

                                Committee Officer:      Sarah Craddock

                                 Presenting Officer:            Emanuela Meloyan

Other Parties:          Mr Gary Grant (Counsel for the Applicant), Mr Luke Elford and Heidi Lawrence (John Gaunt and Partners), Mr Manpal Clair (Director of the Applicant Company), Mr Andrew Bamber (Compliance Consultant to the Applicant Company), Dr Philip Hadfield (Consultant), Stephen Pantling (Proposed General Manager), Mr James Rankin (Counsel for the Metropolitan Police Force), PC Steve Muldoon and PC Reaz Guerra, Mr Richard Brown (Solicitor, Westminster’s Citizens Advice representing the 4 objectors), Objector 1, 2 witnesses on behalf of objector 1 and Objector 3 and Objector 4.

Application for a Renewal of a Sex Establishment Licence in respect of Vanity Bar and Nightclub 4 Carlisle Street London W1D 3BJ 22/11772/LISEVR 

                                           FULL DECISION

Premises:

Vanity Bar and Nightclub

4 Carlisle Street

London W1D 3BJ

Applicant

Vanity License Limited

Ward

West End

Summary of Application

This is an application for the renewal of a Sex Establishment Licence

(Sexual Entertainment Venue) under Schedule 3 of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982 as amended (LG(MP)A1982) for the Premises known as Vanity Bar and Nightclub, 4 Carlisle Street, London W1D 3BJ.  The Basement to First Floor of the Premises has operated as a sex establishment (Sexual Entertainment Venue) since 2012. The Premises are located in Westminster core CAZ North. 

There is a resident count of 135.

There was a transfer of the Licence in 2020 which was renewed on 30 November 2021 and was granted under delegated authority.  This Licence reference 21/13871/LISEVR expired on 15 December 2022.  The Premises also have the benefit of a Premises Licence. Reference 20/03227/LIPT.

On 8 December 2022, Vanity License Limited submitted an application to renew the Sex Establishment Licence to continue to operate the Premises as a Sexual Entertainment Venue.  The Licence permits relevant entertainment Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 03:00 hours and Sunday from 09:00 to 23:00 hours.

Representations Received

·       Metropolitan Police Service (PC Reaz Guerra)

·       Five Interested Parties.

Issues raised by Objectors

·       It is believed that there have been numerous breaches of the conditions on both SEV Licence and Premises Licence.

·       The nature and severity of the alleged breaches raises serious concerns with the Police regarding the licence holder’s ability to operate the premises in line with the conditions attached to the SEV Licence.

·       The conduct of staff and customers, the disruption and noise plus the safety concerns have steadily got worse over the years and is now intolerable.

·       The noise continues every night until 4 a.m. as pedicabs and the last customers who hang around and staff leave.

·       The amount of violent or abusive incidents that occur on a regular basis is worrying.

·       I am aware of a steady deterioration of the quality of life in Carlisle Street.

·       The noise generated immediately in front of the building  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3