The Hammersmith and Fulham Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss the application for the renewal of the sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence for Secrets, located at 62 Glenthorne Road, London. The committee decided to grant the renewal of the licence until 31 March 2026, with the conditions of the previous licence attached, and with additional conditions proposed by the licensing authority regarding CCTV coverage.

Secrets Licence Renewal

The main item under consideration was the application by Secrets Hammersmith Ltd for the renewal of their SEV licence, which was originally due to expire on 31 March 2025. Neil Milligan, the planning enforcement team leader, clarified that the committee had the authority to decide the expiry date of the renewed licence.

The Public Reports Pack included the current SEV Licence and Plan, the SEV Renewal Application Form, and a map of the SEV Premises Location.

Sarah Lefebvre, the barrister representing Secrets Hammersmith, emphasised that the application was for a renewal of the existing licence, not an extension of hours, and that the venue had been operating as a licensed table dancing venue since 1997. She also noted that the council's sex establishment policy includes a presumption to grant a renewal of an existing licence.

Responsible Authority Representation

Adrian Overton, the licensing team manager, presented the responsible authority's representation, which raised concerns based on:

• An incident outside the premises in November 2024.
• Two anonymous complaints about the operation of the business in January 2025 and May 2025.

Overton noted that the police licensing team had confirmed that the November 2024 incident was reported to them as an assault on two members of staff at the premises, and that the employment of one of the door supervisors involved was terminated as a result.

He also reported that a licensing inspection in April 2025 identified a breach of condition 28, as two external display cabinets were in use rather than one, but that this had been rectified.

In relation to the anonymous complaints, Overton stated that while investigations had not been able to show any unlawful activity, they had identified the need for improved CCTV coverage. He recommended a full review of the CCTV system to ensure full coverage in all booths, the production of a diagram showing the layout of the venue with each camera clearly identified, and that CCTV footage be held for 62 days.

The Supplementary Agenda A included additional licensing comments from Overton, which detailed the allegations made in the anonymous complaints, and the findings of the licensing authority's investigations.

Objector's Statement

Benita Cruikshank, a local resident, stated that she was not objecting to the renewal, but wanted to make the point that she was concerned about what goes on outside the club, particularly late at night. She noted that recently there seemed to have been quite a cleanup, but suggested that the appearance of the building could be improved.

Applicant's Response

Lefebvre responded to the points raised, stating that improvements to the external facades were planned, and that the owners were happy to put in place all of the additional measures in respect of CCTV that had been presented. She also noted that the premises manager had completed a three-day CCTV course.

Alex Findlay, the Secrets Hammersmith operational manager, confirmed that there were now three SIA¹ trained personnel on the door every evening, and that management had specialist training in this regard.

Committee Questions and Deliberation

Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Ecology, asked about the number of objections, and whether they were invalidated by being based on a misunderstanding about the renewal. Overton responded that the objections were still valid, even if the objectors had misunderstood the purpose of the application.

Councillor Jose Afonso, Opposition Leader, asked for clarification that there would be CCTV installed that covers every single booth and giving complete coverage should the situation arise, and about the security arrangements at the premises.

Following a discussion of the options available to the committee, and a summing up from the parties, the committee retired for deliberations.

Decision

Upon returning, Councillor Callum Nimmo, announced that the committee had decided to grant the application until 31 March 2026, with the conditions of the previous licence attached, and with additional conditions proposed by the licensing authority as agreed by the applicant:

• CCTV coverage to be available in every booth located at the premises.
• High definition CCTV footage to be held for 62 days.
• A diagram to be produced which shows the layout of the venue with each camera clearly numbered and identified to show which direction it is facing.

The Decisions document provides a summary of the decision.