The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee of Newham Council convened on Friday 23 October 2020 to discuss a variation application for a premises licence. The meeting's agenda included the consideration of an application by Jhankaars, located at 27 Broadway, Stratford E15, to vary its existing premises licence.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for Jhankaars

The primary item scheduled for discussion was an application by Serene Entertainment Ltd, the licence holder for Jhankaars, located at First Floor, 27 Broadway, Stratford E15 4BQ, to vary its premises licence. The application sought to remove two specific conditions that were part of a consent order agreed on 27 January 2020.

The conditions proposed for removal were:

• The licence holder shall notify the Metropolitan Police in writing of any proposed event constituting relevant entertainment at least 14 days in advance. For the purposes of this condition, relevant entertainment will include (but not be limited to) any performance of Bollywood-style dance, and table or lap dancing. Following receipt of this notification, the Metropolitan Police will have power of veto over any such event, such veto not to be unreasonably exercised. No such relevant entertainment (including but not limited to any performance of Bollywood-style dance, and table or lap dancing) shall take place at any premises without such notification.
• The DPS, and or Michael O'Keefe, and or Andrew Bamber and or a personal licence holder nominated by them in writing and notified to the licensing authority and police in writing beforehand will be present at all times the premises are operating.

The report pack indicated that representations had been made against this application by the Metropolitan Police Licensing Unit and the Licensing Authority itself. The Metropolitan Police's representation, submitted by PC Callender, raised concerns regarding the licensing objectives of Crime and Disorder. They argued that the removal of these conditions, which were recently agreed upon following a summary review of the premises licence, showed a disregard for the seriousness of previous issues. The police also noted that the dancing performed at the venue prior to the summary review was of a type that required a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence, and that the proposed removal of conditions would not ensure compliance with licensing laws.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Senior Licensing Officer Colin Hunt, also made a representation against the application on the grounds of Crime and Disorder and the Prevention of Public Nuisance. They stated that the conditions proposed for removal were instrumental in the council agreeing to the consent order and that their removal was not part of the original agreement. The Licensing Authority also raised concerns that the premises might be operating as a Sexual Entertainment Venue without the appropriate licence, citing CCTV footage that allegedly showed dancing of a sexual nature.

An expert report from Professor Ann R David, an anthropologist specialising in dance, was also provided. Professor David analysed CCTV footage and concluded that the dancing observed was not representative of recognised cultural dances from India, Pakistan, or Afghanistan. She described the movements as sexually provocative and noted the absence of specific choreography or stylised dance forms.

The report pack also detailed a significant history of previous licensing actions and appeals related to the premises at 27 Broadway, including a summary review that led to the revocation of a licence for Jhankars, and subsequent appeals and consent orders concerning other licences at the same address, including The Closet and The Refreshment Room . These historical events involved allegations of exploitation, human trafficking, and underage performers.

The agenda also included a standard item for declarations of interest and confirmation of procedure. Additionally, there was an item regarding the exclusion of the press and public from specific parts of the meeting, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that they might involve the disclosure of exempt information.