Agenda item

The report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration requests Members to consider the renewal of a sex establishment licence for `Silks’, which operates from 2, Sovereign Place, Leeds LS1 4SP.

(Report attached)

The report of the Head of Elections, Licensing and Registration to consider an application for the renewal of a Sex Establishment Licence for Silks, 2 Sovereign Place, Leeds LS1 4SP.

Members were informed that the renewal of the sex establishment licence was for the provision of sexual entertainment in the form of lap dancing. The current licence was renewed for a period of twelve months, expiring on 1^st March 2017.

Members noted that the premises had held a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 for the provision of regulated entertainment and sale of alcohol since 13^th March 2009 and that lap dancing had been held at the premises since that time.

The Members heard that upon renewal of the licence in 2015 the Licensing Sub Committee considered an objection from Leeds City Council’s Department of Planning due to the development of a park. The objection related to the location of the sexual entertainment venue as not being an appropriate location close to a park.

Members were informed that Silks is located on the first and second floor of the building. At a suggestion by the Licensing Sub Committee at a previous hearing the applicant had found an alternative use for the ground floor unit during the day time economy, and the ground floor unit now operated as a nail bar. 

Members noted that one objection had been received to this application and was attached at appendix F of the submitted report. It was also noted that no observations had been received from West Yorkshire Police in relation to this application.

Rebecca Ingram of Kuits Solicitors representing the applicant addressed the Sub-Committee. She informed the Members that Silks had been trading at these premises since 2009 and that Silks had been one of the sexual entertainment venues which had kept its licence when the policy changed in 2013, renewing its licence on an annual basis.

Ms Ingram informed the Members of the following points in relation to the objection that had been received:

·  That the park is not routinely used be families in the evening

·  The location of the premises is close to commercial premises such as KPMG, however, these are closed by the time Silks opens.

·  The nearest property which could be classified as residential was a hotel.

·  Policy considerations such as a reduction to zero licences was not a matter for this committee

·  The premises did not conflict with the Council’s Policy for being a child friendly city

·  Nail bar is active during the day time with signage appertaining to the nail bar at the front of the premises. This unit is transformed at 10:00pm when Silks opens.

·  The management of Silks have a zero tolerance of violence against women

·  The management were not aware of any instances of rape reported by anyone who had connections with Silks or any customers. And were of the opinion that if such allegations had been made then there would be a representation from West Yorkshire Police.

·  The premises always employ door staff who prevent customers from engaging in anti-social behaviour and make the area safer.

·  The premises were well run with the employees’ welfare and safety addressed with the use of CCTV throughout the premises

·  Policies in place for customers and employees

·  Believed that the objection to the renewal of the licence was relation to the type of business on a general and moral ground.

A Licensing Enforcement officer was present at the hearing and informed the Members that an unannounced high visibility inspection had recently taken place at the venue with Enforcement, Transport Police and HMO Immigration in attendance.

Members noted that the inspection had taken place at 10:30pm, during performance, at that time there had been two door supervisors on duty. It was also noted that sex establishment venues receive 1-2 high visibility inspections within a twelve month period.

Members were informed that CCTV was available from the past 31 days with a slight problem on that evenings recording which was addressed at the time. The officer said that there had also been a fault with the panic alarm however this had now been dealt with.

Members were advised that HMO Immigration had found some irregularities with some of the dancers. However, it was explained that this was nothing to do with Silks as the dancers are self-employed.

The officer advised Members that it was a positive endorsement for the club by Licensing Enforcement.

RESOLVED – Members approve the renewal of the sex establishment venue licence as applied for.