The Licensing Sub-Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to consider the renewal of a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for Secrets, located at 62 Glenthorne Road, London, W6 0LR. After hearing representations from objectors and the applicant, the committee decided to grant the renewal of the licence.

Renewal of Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence for Secrets

The committee granted the renewal of the Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for Secrets, located at 62 Glenthorne Road, London, W6 0LR. The licence will be in effect for a further year, until 31 March 2027, with no changes to the operating hours.

Arguments Against Renewal:

Objectors, including local residents Sam and Anna, raised concerns about the venue's proximity to several educational establishments: West London Free School, Godolphin and Latymer School, and multiple nurseries. They argued that the venue's presence could negatively impact children, exposing them to imagery and behaviour unsuitable for their age. Concerns were also raised about the venue's location in a predominantly residential area, with residents feeling unsafe walking home late at night due to the presence of customers and the late operating hours. Anna specifically mentioned feeling uncomfortable walking home alone due to leering men and the general atmosphere outside the venue. There were also suggestions that the venue's late-night operation contributed to public nuisance and that its presence was at odds with potential local area redevelopment plans.

Arguments For Renewal:

Sarah Le Fevre, representing Secrets, highlighted that the venue has been operating under continuous ownership since 1997 and has undergone significant investment. She stated that the venue has a positive working relationship with the police and responsible authorities, with a recent inspection by police licensing officers finding no issues. Le Fevre emphasised that the application was for a renewal with no changes to operating hours or conditions, and that the council's policy includes a presumption to grant such renewals. She pointed out that no objections had been raised by any responsible authorities or local educational institutions for this renewal application. David Fleming, the venue's manager, confirmed that the venue has a high staff-to-client ratio and that performers have designated smoking areas at the rear of the premises. He also stated that he had never witnessed customers smoking outside the front of the building.

Committee's Decision and Reasoning:

The committee acknowledged the concerns raised by the objectors regarding the proximity to schools and the impact on the residential character of the area. However, they also noted the applicant's arguments, including the presumption to grant renewals for SEVs with no changes to operating conditions. The committee considered the previous decision from 8 October 2025¹, which also granted a renewal, and found no significant changes in the locality or the venue's operation that would warrant a refusal. They also noted the absence of objections from the police and other responsible authorities. The committee concluded that the evidence presented did not provide sufficient grounds to refuse the renewal application.