Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ware-Lane (substitute: Councillor Jones), Butler (no substitute) and Callaghan (no substitute).

The following interest was declared at the meeting:

(a)  Councillor McDonald – Agenda Item No. 3 (Application for the Renewal of a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence – Sunset, The Stables, Lucy Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2AU) – Non-pecuniary interest: Member of the Council’s Licensing Committee.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) concerning an application that had been made by Anna Rita Grech for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence in respect of Sunset, The Stables, Lucy Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2AU.

The application was presented by Mr Murrell (Applicant’s Solicitor).  Ms Grech (applicant) was also in attendance.

The Sub-Committee noted that there had been no objections from the Police, Licensing Authority or any other regulatory body to this application, nor any incidents of concern since the granting of an Sex Entertainment Venue licence to this applicant at this premises.

A letter of objection had however, been received from one interested person who attended the hearing and gave evidence.  The objector’s principal concerns were the locality and suitability for a Sex Entertainment Venue and issues relating to the health and well-being of performers and the public sector equality duty.

The Sub-Committee considered all the evidence and submissions that had been made at the meeting and the written reports and documentation that had been presented prior to the hearing.  The Sub-Committee also had regard to Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (adopted pursuant to the Police and Crime Act 2009) and the Council’s Policy for controlling sex establishments.

Resolved:

That the application for the renewal of a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence in respect of Sunset, The Stables, Lucy Road, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2AU, be granted, subject to the relevant standard operating conditions to the current licence set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) and the following additional conditions:

•  The licensee shall submit to the Licensing Authority within a reasonable period, a new plan of the premises showing the internal and external doors, all room layouts and the new location of the glass wash facility in the bar area.

•  The bar shall only be restocked outside of usual trading hours.

•  The licensee shall signpost performers and staff to suitable support services when requested or as appropriate.

•  The Licensee shall ensure that an incident log is maintained on the premises to record any incidents or occurrences relating to crime or disorder issues. The incident book shall be made available for inspection to Police or the Licensing Authority upon request.