The Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the Top Secret Comedy Club. The committee will review representations from responsible authorities and other interested parties regarding the application.

Application for Premises Licence for Top Secret Comedy Club

The Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the Top Secret Comedy Club, located at 10 Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1BR. The applicant, Top Secret Comedy Club Limited, seeks permission for various licensable activities including the sale of alcohol, exhibition of film, recorded music, and performances of dance. The proposed hours for these activities are from 10:00 to 00:00 daily for alcohol sales and recorded music, with late-night refreshment until 00:00, and the premises opening from 09:00 to 00:30 daily.

The report pack details that the application is being made under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003^1^, which governs the licensing of premises for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. The committee's decision must aim to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Representations have been received from the City of London Pollution Control Team, raising concerns about public nuisance due to the proximity of the venue to residential properties at St Dunstan's House and Clifford's Inn. The representation highlights that patrons congregating outside, particularly during warmer weather when windows may be open, could lead to noise disturbance. It is noted that Fetter Lane is generally a quiet area in the evenings and at weekends, and sudden increases in noise from patrons exiting or taking breaks could be impactful.

Conversely, the Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) has submitted a representation in support of the application. Lady Lucy French, CEO of Fleet Street Quarter BID, argues that the proposed use of the basement and sub-basement space, which has been vacant since a gym closed, is a positive step. She suggests that the venue's basement location will help contain sound and that the proposed licensing hours are shorter than those of the adjacent pub, The Editor's Tap. The BID also believes the comedy club aligns with the City of London's Destination City policy, aiming to attract more people to the City, and will add cultural diversity to the area.

The report pack also includes proposed conditions consistent with the operating schedule, which aim to promote the licensing objectives. These include the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, a policy to prevent promoted events, the maintenance of an incident log, prominent signage requesting customers to leave quietly, the operation of a Challenge 25 scheme for alcohol sales, a ban on self-service of spirits, and a written dispersal policy to manage customer exit and minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Further information has been provided by the applicant, including an operational management and dispersal policy, photographs of existing venues, a biography for Mark Rothman (Owner and Designated Premises Supervisor), an acoustic technical note, and quotes from comedians. The acoustic report by RBA Acoustics suggests that noise from patrons congregating outside the venue is unlikely to significantly impact residential receptors, noting that similar noise is already present from the adjacent pub, The Editor's Tap. The report also highlights the accessibility of public transport, which should facilitate quick dispersal of patrons.

The committee will also consider the City of London Corporation's Statement of Licensing Policy (2022), which emphasises striking a balance between the benefits of licensed venues and the risk of disturbance, and the statutory guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. The latter highlights the importance of considering local plans and strategies, such as the London Plan 2021^2^, and tailoring conditions to individual circumstances.

The committee has several options to consider, including granting the licence with conditions, excluding certain licensable activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application entirely.