The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Monday 8 April 2024 to consider an application for the renewal and variation of a Sex Establishment Licence for Stir 777. The committee decided to grant the application, allowing for extended operating hours.

Application for Renewal and Variation of Sex Establishment Licence for Stir 777

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application for the renewal and variation of a Sex Establishment Licence for Stir 777, located at 48 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1HN. The variation sought to extend the operating hours of the venue.

The application was made by Stir 777 Limited and sought to renew the existing licence, which was originally granted in 2018. The proposed new hours of operation were:

• Monday to Thursday: 22:00 to 03:00 the following morning.
• Friday and Saturday: 22:00 to 05:00 the following morning.
• New Year's Eve: 22:00 to 05:00 the following morning.

The committee heard that the applicant had advertised the application as required, and while 43 addresses were consulted, only one valid objection was received, alongside five letters of support. No objections were received from the Chief Officer of Police.

The sole objector raised concerns about the appropriateness of the location, stating it was inappropriate in regard to the character of the relevant locality and that it cheapens the town. They also suggested the venue should be located down a back street. The objector also mentioned concerns about the venue perpetuating inappropriate sexual behaviour and the potential impact on the safety of female residents.

In response, the applicant highlighted Stir 777's impeccable record with the local authority, residents, and patrons since opening in 2018. They noted that the venue had operated with extended hours on a Wednesday night for six months under a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) without negative impact. The applicant also stated that all staff receive vulnerability and safeguarding training.

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the application in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982¹ and the Council's Policy on the Licensing of Sex Establishments. They noted the absence of objections from the police and the positive feedback from supporting letters, which indicated no negative impact from the venue's operation. The committee also observed that the objector provided insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the premises were out of character with the locality, which already featured numerous night-time venues.

Ultimately, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to grant the application, allowing the extended hours and imposing a revised condition that the venue shall not operate on Sundays or Christmas Day. All other standard conditions for Sex Entertainment Venues (SEVs)² were to remain in place. The decision was made after balancing the merits of the application against the objections and considering relevant legislation, including human rights and equalities legislation.

The applicant has a right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court regarding any conditions imposed within 21 days of receiving the decision. Other parties can only challenge the decision through judicial review.