The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider the renewal of a sex establishment licence for Stir 777. The committee granted the licence renewal with a modification to the number of door supervisors, reducing it from four to three.

Renewal of Sex Establishment Licence for Stir 777

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the application for the renewal of the sex establishment licence for Stir 777, located at 48 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HN. The application also sought to amend condition 45 of the licence, reducing the required number of SIA registered door supervisors from four to three. This amendment had been agreed with the Metropolitan Police prior to the hearing.

During the meeting, a single objection was received from a resident concerning noise disturbance, parking issues, and the general character of the locality. The objector, who did not attend the hearing, raised concerns about weird looking men hanging around the entrance, parking in loading areas, and noise late at night. They also expressed concern about the premises' suitability for a Royal Borough known for its good schools and family-friendly environment.

Damien Wellman, Operations Manager for Stir 777 Ltd, addressed the committee, refuting the claims made in the objection. He stated that staff do not park in loading bays and that most staff use public transport. He also explained that staff and dancers do not leave the building until transport is arranged, ensuring a slow dispersal. Mr. Wellman highlighted that environmental health and the police had no records of complaints against the venue over the past three years. He also questioned the validity of the objection, suggesting that issues like the character of the locality and the presence of other establishments are irrelevant to the licensing grounds.

Councillor James Giles, a member of the subcommittee, questioned the applicant about the VIP experience advertised on their website, specifically regarding queue skipping, and whether this contributed to any external queuing. Mr. Wellman clarified that the queue skipping was for internal use and that there was no queuing on the street. He also addressed concerns about outreach to neighbours, stating that while they are open to communication, past attempts at engagement had been met with resistance.

Councillor Andrew Sillett, Chair of the Licensing Committee, inquired about the dispersal of patrons and the venue's responsibilities. Mr. Wellman explained that Stir 777 is not a last drinking venue due to its pricing, attracting a diverse clientele including couples, and that they actively discourage stag and hen parties that might cause disturbance. He stated that the venue is not a high-volume establishment, with a peak of around 45 people, and dispersal is generally not an issue.

Regarding the proposed reduction in door supervisors, Mr. Wellman explained that while they often still employ four, on quieter nights, such as Wednesdays and Thursdays, four are not necessary. He noted that all staff, including bar and floor staff, are SIA trained, and that the reduction would help manage costs. He also confirmed that the venue is monitored by CCTV, with recordings accessible to security staff on all floors, ensuring a high level of oversight.

The committee considered the objection and the applicant's response. Legal Advisor Paul Green explained that while the objection was borderline, the committee would give the benefit of the doubt to residents and allow the hearing to proceed. He clarified that the grounds for refusal under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, specifically relating to the character of the locality and the use of nearby premises, could be argued if disturbance was proven.

Ultimately, the subcommittee decided to grant the renewal of the sex establishment licence for Stir 777. They also approved the amendment to condition 45, reducing the minimum number of SIA registered door supervisors from four to three. The decision was made after considering the objection, the applicant's response, and the relevant legislation and council policy. The full decision notice with reasons will be sent to all parties within five working days.