The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Tuesday 15 February 2011 to consider several applications for the renewal of licences for premises within the borough. The committee approved the renewal applications for Browns, Rainbow Sports Bar, White Horse, and Ye Olde Axe, subject to additional conditions relating to management policies and customer behaviour.

Browns, 1 Hackney Road, E2

The Sub Committee considered the renewal application for Browns, a sex shop located at 1 Hackney Road, E2. The application was for the 2010/11 year, due to expire on 31 March 2011. No representations were received from Responsible Authorities. The applicant's legal representative, Mr. Bill Parry-Davies, highlighted that the premises had been renewed without objection for over 10 years and that there were no schools or places of worship within 50 metres, nor other sex establishments within 100 metres. He also noted that less than 1% of reported crimes in the Shoreditch area were allegedly associated with Browns.

Two objectors attended and raised concerns about feeling intimidated when passing the venue and the impact of the club's presence on career progression for women. They also mentioned experiencing harassment approximately two years prior. Ms. Denise Chandler, the applicant, stated she had not been informed of any incidents of harassment and was working with the police to address ongoing issues with illegal mini-cab drivers in the area. She outlined measures in place, including doormen, 24-hour CCTV, and an incident book.

The Sub Committee resolved to approve the renewal application, subject to an additional condition requiring an updated management policy. This policy must include provisions for the use of the outside area for smoking, customer dispersal, and safeguarding customers and passers-by from intimidation or abuse. The policy is to be provided to the Licensing Service within 21 days and made available for inspection at the premises.

Rainbow Sports Bar, 72 Shoreditch High Street, E1

The renewal application for Rainbow Sports Bar, located at 72 Shoreditch High Street, E1, was considered for the 2010/11 year. No representations were received from Responsible Authorities. Mr. Robert Kiss, the applicant and owner, stated he had not encountered direct objections or reports of harassment during his 14 years managing the club.

Two objectors spoke against the application, citing concerns related to gender equality and refuting claims that their objections were similar or solely from young women. Mr. Kiss outlined measures to ensure the safeguarding of patrons and passers-by, including a supervised smoking area, encouraging pre-booked cabs, and doormen policing the immediate vicinity. He also confirmed the existence of a management plan, though not in a single consolidated document.

The Sub Committee resolved to approve the renewal application, subject to additional conditions. These include the provision of a management policy covering licensable activities, the use of the outside area for smoking, and safeguarding customers and passers-by. Additionally, no more than four customers will be allowed to smoke outside the premises at any one time. The policy is to be provided within two months of the renewal being granted.

White Horse, 64 Shoreditch High Street, E1

The Licensing Sub Committee reviewed the renewal application for the White Horse, a family-run business at 64 Shoreditch High Street, E1. No representations were received from Responsible Authorities. Mr. Lee Hoddinott, the applicant's legal representative, stated that allegations regarding prostitution were untrue and that the premises use the Shoreditch Night Owl Watch (SNOW) security system and work closely with local police.

Regarding crowd management, Mr. Hoddinott confirmed that no more than two patrons are permitted to smoke outside at any one time, and no drinking is allowed outside the venue. Door staff are SIA registered and assist with customer entry and dispersal. A condition on the licence requiring specific works to be completed was agreed to be removed, provided Building Control had no objections. It was also noted that the licence is anticipated to be updated to include Mrs. Pauline Bristow and Ms. Sue Bristow.

The Sub Committee resolved to approve the renewal application, subject to an amendment and an additional condition. The existing condition regarding the completion of works will be deleted. A new condition will be inserted requiring a management policy that covers licensable activities, customer dispersal, and safeguarding staff, customers, and passers-by. This policy is to be provided within two months of the renewal being granted.

Ye Olde Axe, 69 Hackney Road, E2

The renewal application for Ye Olde Axe, located at 69 Hackney Road, E2, was considered. No representations were received from Responsible Authorities. Mr. David Forbes, the applicant's legal representative, stated that the applicant was unaware of any harassment concerns associated with the premises, and neither was the police. The applicant, Mr. Thomas Melody, confirmed that he often observes outside the premises himself and that the doormen are experienced. He also mentioned fitting benches outside to accommodate smokers.

While there were protocols and procedures in place, Mr. Melody confirmed there was not a single consolidated management plan but stated he would not object to writing one.

The Sub Committee resolved to approve the renewal application, subject to an additional condition. This condition requires the provision of a management policy that includes the management of licensable activities, customer dispersal, customers smoking outside the premises, and safeguarding staff, customers, and passers-by. This policy is to be provided within two months of the renewal being granted.

Council Guidelines and Hearing Procedure

The Senior Legal Officer outlined the Council Guidelines for Sex Shops, Sex Cinemas and Sex Encounter Premises, which would guide the Sub Committee's considerations. The Senior Licensing Officer also outlined the hearing procedure that the Sub Committee would follow.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 January 2011 were deferred to a subsequent Sub-Committee meeting for approval, as neither of the councillors present at this meeting had attended the previous one.