The Licensing Panel D of Camden Council was scheduled to consider an application to renew a Sex Establishment Licence for The Griffin. The meeting agenda also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings.

The Griffin: 125 Clerkenwell Road, EC1R 5DB

The panel was scheduled to consider an application to renew the Sex Establishment Licence for The Griffin, located at 125 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DB. This application falls under Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

The supplementary agenda provided detailed information regarding the proposed conditions for the licence renewal. The applicant, Wayne Chandler, who has owned the premises since 1993, indicated agreement with most of the council's standard conditions. However, some conditions were proposed for amendment or deletion. For instance, condition 6, relating to notification of changes in directors for corporate bodies, was proposed for deletion as the applicant is an individual. Condition 18, concerning the placement of CCTV monitors, was noted as having been amended at a previous renewal hearing in 2017 to accommodate the premises' layout, with monitors to be available near to the entrance of the premises .

Further details were provided regarding additional conditions for Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs). The applicant agreed to most of these, including requirements for a Code of Conduct for Dancers and Customers, and a Dancers Welfare Policy. Proposed amendments were made to conditions 32 and 34, which relate to the placement of performers and the display of the Duty Manager's name, due to the absence of a dedicated lobby, reception, or foyer area. The applicant also noted that conditions 26-30 and 76-91 were not applicable to the premises.

The agenda also outlined the licensing history of The Griffin, dating back to March 1993. It detailed various licence renewals and variations, including an application to extend trading hours which was refused in 2010 due to a resident's objection. The applicant highlighted a good relationship with neighbours and businesses, with several supporting previous applications.

The application also addressed the London Borough of Camden Sex Establishment Policy. It was noted that the presumption to refuse the licence, as set out in paragraph 42 of the policy, did not apply because The Griffin had been regularly providing sexual entertainment for a significant period prior to the transitional period. The applicant addressed concerns regarding the proximity of the premises to sensitive locations such as schools, places of worship, parks, community buildings, and residential areas, stating that despite these proximity concerns, the venue had a history of only a modest number of complaints, not all of which have been substantiated. The applicant also emphasised their exemplary record, the lack of police complaints or breaches of licence conditions, and the long tenure of staff, including door supervisors.

The applicant confirmed that there are no planned developments in the area that would render the locality unsuitable for a sex establishment. They also stated that the premises have disabled access and a disabled toilet, catering to disabled clientele. The charging criteria for stage shows and table dances were also detailed, with clear notices displayed throughout the premises.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The panel was scheduled to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 31st July 2025. Additionally, a revised set of minutes from the meeting held on 15th May 2026 was to be approved, following the identification of errors in the original agreed minutes.