The Licensing Sub-Committee of Cheltenham Council met on Wednesday 5 February 2025 to consider an application for the renewal and variation of a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for Eroticats at Under the Prom, and an application for the transfer of a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence. The committee granted the SEV licence renewal and variation, and approved the transfer of the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence.

Renewal and Variation of Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence for Eroticats

The committee considered an application for the renewal of a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for European Events Consultants Ltd, trading as Eroticats , at Under the Prom, 109-113 The Promenade, Cheltenham. The application also sought to vary two standard licensing conditions: condition 6, relating to advertisements and solicitation, and condition 25, concerning bodily contact between performers and simulated sexual activity.

The Licensing and Public Protection Manager presented the report, outlining the application and the statutory framework for SEV licensing. The council's policy is not to grant SEV licences outside of a designated permitted area, but Eroticats had previously been granted a licence at this location. The report noted 27 objections and 61 representations in support of the application. Gloucestershire Police raised no objections.

During the meeting, objectors expressed concerns about the potential harm to women and girls, the objectification of women, and the link between strip clubs and a culture of sexual violence. They argued that variations to licensing conditions, particularly regarding touching and private booths, would increase risks. Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of joint working initiatives with the council on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Objectors urged the council to lobby the Home Office to repeal the frequency exemption in legislation, which allows for infrequent SEV operations without a full licence.

Supporters of the application, including performers and customers, highlighted the safety and regulated environment provided by licensed venues compared to unregulated pop-up establishments. They emphasised the importance of the courtesy vehicle for the safety of performers and customers, and the professionalism of the applicant, European Events Consultants Ltd. Many supporters argued that licensing provides a better level of control and safety than operating under the frequency exemption.

The applicant's solicitor addressed the committee, reiterating that there were no mandatory grounds for refusal and that the application met discretionary grounds. They highlighted the applicant's experience, commitment to safety, and the fact that the venue had been previously licensed at this location. The solicitor also clarified that the proposed variation to condition 25 was for clarification to avoid technical breaches, not to permit inappropriate contact.

Following debate, Councillor Angie Boyes moved to grant the application as applied for, stating that Parliament had made SEVs lawful and that the council must administer the regime in accordance with the law. Councillor Simon Wheeler supported this, noting that if Eroticats did not operate, another company might fill the gap, potentially with less stringent standards. Councillor Dr Helen Pemberton also spoke in favour, highlighting the applicant's positive track record and the importance of licensing over unregulated operations. The committee unanimously granted the application as applied for.

Transfer of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence for Mr Anthony Taylor

The committee also considered an application from Mr Anthony Taylor for the transfer of a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence (HCV124). Mr Taylor, who had previously operated a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), sought to replace it with a saloon vehicle due to the current WAV being out of repair and the difficulty in finding an affordable replacement WAV that met policy requirements.

The Senior Licensing Officer explained that the council had previously implemented a policy requiring all Hackney Carriages to be WAVs, but this policy's implementation was later halted, allowing for a mixed fleet. A draft policy was being consulted upon, which would allow drivers in Mr Taylor's situation to revert to saloon vehicles. Mr Taylor had been out of work since Christmas and was facing mounting bills. He had been permitted to change to a WAV in 2021 due to the initial policy, and other drivers had since been allowed to revert to saloons.

Mr Taylor addressed the committee, explaining his urgent need to return to work and his difficulties in finding a suitable WAV. He highlighted that other drivers in similar situations had been permitted to revert to saloons.

Councillor Boyes stated that given the review of the WAV policy and the fact that other drivers had been permitted to revert to saloons, there was no good reason to object. Councillor Wheeler agreed, favouring a mixed fleet and supporting Mr Taylor's ability to earn a living. The committee agreed to treat the application as a renewal with a change of vehicle. The application was approved by a show of hands.