Westminster Council's Licensing Sub-Committee recently convened to discuss the renewal of The Box's sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence, located at 11-12 Walker's Court, London. The application faced objections from local residents concerned about late-night noise and potential disturbances.
The committee was asked to consider the application in light of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy for SEV Premises and Sexual Entertainment Venues Guidance and Procedure, and The Home Office Guidance for SEV. The report pack also included a copy of the current premises licence, a map of the locality, and the history of sex establishment licences for the premises.
The application, submitted by Too 2 Much Limited, sought to renew the licence under the same terms as the previous one, permitting cabaret involving full and partial nudity between 9am and 4am from Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 12:30am on Sundays. The Box has operated as a sex establishment since 2012, with annual renewals granted until the previous licence expired on 6 July 2024.
However, the application received three objections from interested parties. One resident, who waived their right to anonymity, voiced concerns that extending the licence to 4am would eat into the only period of peace that Soho's residents get currently,
and that it would increase noise and illegal street activity. The objector also stated that the area around the venue is a known hotspot for drug dealers and pimps. The applicant stated that there was no evidence that these premises are a cause to concern.
During the meeting, Councillor Maggie Carman, Deputy Cabinet Member - Adult Social Care, Supported and Specialist Housing, chaired the committee, with Councillor Judith Southern, Lead Member - Older Persons Champion, and Councillor Louise Hyams also in attendance. The committee considered the application in light of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy for SEV Premises and Sexual Entertainment Venues Guidance and Procedure, and The Home Office Guidance for SEV.
Representing the applicant, Craig Baileys from Baileys Associates UK Limited, stated that the application was simply to get their previous licence back, with no extension to the hours. He explained that alcohol sales cease at 3am, and the premises operate as a cabaret and theatre with a sexual element. He also stated that SIA security staff are on duty to ensure people are leaving quietly and quickly, moving away from the area. In addition to SIA security, The Box also has signs on the doors and a front-of-house team to guide people out and offer assistance. Staff also leave via a separate exit up to an hour after closing, individually or in pairs, to minimize disturbance.
Councillor Hyams raised the issue of noise and asked whether other premises in Walker's Court could be contributing to the problem. Mr. Baileys acknowledged that there are other venues in the area, including a boulevard, and that Walker's Court could be used as a cut-through late at night.
Ultimately, the committee decided to grant the application in full. Councillor Hyams was of the view that the hours for the licence should be drawn back to 3am, however the majority view was to grant the application in the fall. The specific reasons for the majority view are not detailed in the provided text, but a fully reasoned decision was to be sent out to all parties in due course.
The date for appealing the decision will not start until the full reasoned decision has been sent to the parties.