The Licensing Sub-Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to consider applications for special treatment licences for two establishments: Therapy Rooms Putney and The Pilates Room. Both applications involved discussions around the suitability of the applicants and the proposed treatments.

Therapy Rooms Putney

The committee was scheduled to consider a new application for a Special Treatment Licence for Therapy Rooms Putney, located at 130-132 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SP. The application, submitted by Therapy Rooms SW15 Limited, proposed a range of licensable activities including laser treatments, Thai massage, LED Colour Light Therapy, nail extensions, manicures, pedicures, and the use of a facial steamer.

The report pack indicated that the Police and Fire Brigade had not made any observations regarding the application. However, there was an objection from the licensing team, specifically from Senior Licensing Officer John McGann, on grounds of Serious Concerns regarding Fitness and Propriety. The report also noted that the premises had not yet been inspected by an Environmental Health Officer to confirm its ability to meet standard conditions. It was recommended that if the sub-committee was minded to grant the licence, it should be subject to a satisfactory inspection.

The applicant, Therapy Rooms SW15 Limited, submitted a response to the objection, clarifying the company's structure and stating that Deborah Henley was the sole director and responsible person. The applicant asserted that any historical matters raised in the objection predated the incorporation of the new company and had no connection to it. They also highlighted that during a recent inspection, Mr. McGann had advised submitting a new application with a fit and proper person, which they had done.

A supplementary document from the applicant indicated that all higher-risk treatments had ceased, including laser and massage treatments, and that practitioners associated with those treatments were no longer operating from the premises. The current activities were described as low-risk services not requiring a Special Treatment Licence.

The Pilates Room

The committee was also scheduled to consider the renewal of a Special Treatment Licence for The Pilates Room, located at 226 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TG. The application, from The Pilates Room Ltd, sought to renew the licence for activities including laser treatments, micro-blading, micro-pigmentation, body massage, infra-red therapy, electrolysis, faradism, galvanism, nail extensions, manicures, and pedicures.

Similar to the other application, the Police and Fire Brigade had not made any observations. However, an objection was lodged by Senior Licensing Officer John McGann, also on grounds of Serious Concerns regarding Fitness and Propriety. The objection noted that Mario Perez was the current licence holder for The Pilates Room and also the landlord for Therapy Rooms Putney, where unlicensed special treatments were allegedly discovered. The objection stated that evidence from an inspection at Therapy Rooms Putney raised serious concerns about Mr. Perez's suitability to hold an MST licence.

The applicant, The Pilates Room Ltd, submitted a formal response disputing the objection. They argued that the objection was based on allegations concerning a different premises and had no connection to The Pilates Room at 226 Upper Richmond Road, which had operated for several years without incident. The applicant stated that Deborah Henley would now act as the responsible officer for licensing matters at The Pilates Room, replacing Mr. Perez in this role. They also highlighted that previous renewal cycles had been affected by internal delays and miscommunication within the Regulatory Services Partnership.

A supplementary document from the applicant reiterated that The Pilates Room operates as an established health and wellbeing studio and that all licensable activities would be carried out in full compliance with the relevant legislation and licence conditions, under the oversight of the named responsible officer.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was appointed to consider these applications, with Councillors Mayorcas and Pridham forming the sub-committee. The meeting was scheduled to be held online via Microsoft Teams, with a live webcast available.