Surrey LiveThe council granted Stir777 Ltd a new sex establishment licence. Stir777 on Kingston High Street will also reduce its capacity from 220 to 65 after being granted new licences by Kingston Council
A strip club has won permission to open later on weekends after neighbours were divided over the plans. Stir777, which opened on Kingston High Street in 2018, will also reduce its capacity from 220 to 65 after being granted new licences by Kingston Council.
The council granted Stir777 Ltd a new sex establishment licence so the strip club can extend its closing time from 2.30am to 3am on Mondays to Wednesdays, which is the same time it already shuts on Thursdays, and from 4am to 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue opens at 10pm.
The council's licensing committee said residents had indicated 'there had been no problems' in the operation of the venue. The committee's ruling read: "The police had not objected, the change in the capacity of the premises also indicated that there would be a reduced number of patrons, which also persuaded the licensing committee that the premises was being properly run and would continue to be so."
It comes after the application drew one objection and five letters of support. One supporter wrote that female residents had 'voiced understandable unease about the nature of the business' but the venue operating as a strip club 'has had no negative impact'.
They said the venue first operated as a standard nightclub, which led to 'regular late night disturbance and rowdiness which impacted the quality of life' of residents but that they 'have not experienced any similar problems associated with the clientele' since it has been a strip club.
The council also granted Strip777 Ltd a new premises licence to follow the extended opening hours. It means the venue can now host dance performances and play recorded music from 10pm to 3am on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10pm to 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. It can also sell booze from 10pm to 2.30am on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10pm to 4.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The licensing committee said the plans 'could be disruptive to nearby residents, but had been demonstrated to not cause an increase in cumulative impact'. The committee's ruling added: "The reduction of the capacity from 220 to 65 persons would also result in a significantly reduced cumulative impact from the operation of the premises. It was also noted that the premises used a noise lobby entrance/exit that meant that those entering or leaving the premises were kept in the lobby pending collection by taxi or were entering the premises keeping noise in the lobby."
It comes after the application attracted two objections and four letters of support. One objector wrote that hearing of the plans filled them with 'dread' and residents surrounding the venue would 'pay a huge price' if they are approved, with particular concerns they would be disturbed by noise.
But another resident said they supported the application as they get 'no noise and no antisocial behaviour' from the venue, in contrast to the 'unregulated chaos' they find further into the town centre. Another supporter described the club as a 'breath of fresh air' that does not cause any issues.
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