The Licensing Sub-Committee of Ealing Council met on Thursday, 29 August 2024, to consider a new premises licence application for Angels Club. The committee ultimately decided to refuse the application.

New Premises Licence Application: Angels Club

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered a new application for a premises licence for Angels Club, located at Basement, 25 Broadway, West Ealing, W13 9DA. The application, made by Bianca Ailincai, sought to allow the supply of alcohol from 12:00 to 02:00 daily, with recorded music and performances of dance from 23:00 to 02:00 daily. The premises would operate as a private members' club.

The application had attracted significant opposition, with ten representations received: nine objections and one in support. Objections were lodged by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Licensing Compliance & Enforcement Team, the Pollution Control Team, the Walpole Residents Association, and five individual residents. One resident submitted a representation in support of the application.

During the hearing, the applicant's agent, Mr Nick Semper, presented the case, highlighting that previous grounds for rejection had been addressed. He stated that policies and actions had been introduced to ensure the safety of performers, and that the applicant had completed safeguarding training and was a Champion of the Women's Night Time Safety Charter. The venue would operate as a members' club with pre-booking to manage attendance and prevent public nuisance from queuing. Extensive CCTV and a commissioned noise report, which indicated minimal noise leakage, were also presented. Mr Semper argued that Bollywood and belly dancing are not sexual in nature and do not require a sexual entertainment licence, and that any incidents of inappropriate behaviour witnessed in public spaces were not the responsibility of the applicant.

However, the Metropolitan Police, represented by Police Sergeant Dimitri Cassar, maintained concerns about the safeguarding of performers due to the venue's small size and the proposed single toilet also serving as a changing room. They also raised concerns about the excessive hours contributing to crime, anti-social behaviour, and public nuisance.

Mr Robert Dear from the Licensing Compliance & Enforcement Team echoed concerns about the excessive hours and the impracticality of operating with a single SIA (Security Industry Authority) operative, particularly given the basement location and the need to manage entry while ensuring performer safety.

Ms Mimi Stupu from the Noise and Nuisance Team reiterated concerns about potential noise disturbance and the excessive hours requested, stating that the team was not confident the applicant would uphold licensing objectives, citing previous issues associated with premises managed by the applicant.

Objectors, including the Walpole Residents Association, represented by Ms Ann Chapman, and residents Mr Robert Dyson, Ms Yanghee Cho, Ms Roopa Karia, and Mr Terrence Abuah, voiced strong objections. They highlighted the premises' location in an alleyway already known for anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime, the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance from noise and intoxicated patrons, and public safety concerns, particularly for residents and children. Concerns were also raised about the applicant's history and the suitability of the venue for the proposed activities.

One resident, Mr John Kerrigan, submitted a representation in support of the application, stating that the club's operation had not resulted in any disturbance and had deterred substance misusers from the alleyway. He welcomed the presence of door staff and noted the pre-booking system prevented large queues.

After considering all representations and evidence, the sub-committee decided to refuse the new premises licence application for Angels Club. The decision was made with regard to the Home Office Revised Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and Ealing Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, particularly concerning special policy areas. The reasons for refusal were outlined in the published decisions document.

The meeting commenced at 10:32 am and concluded at 1:06 pm.