The Regulatory & Appeals Committee of Boston Borough Council is scheduled to consider a significant application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence. The meeting will also address preliminary matters including apologies, declarations of interest, and public questions.

Application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence

The primary focus of the meeting will be the determination of an application for a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for The Pool Shed, located at Marsh Farm Cottage, Frampton Roads, Frampton. The application, submitted by Mr. Neil Wright and Mrs. Michelle Wright, seeks authorisation for activities including pole dancing, lap dancing, striptease, and live sex shows. The proposed operating hours are from 11:00 to 22:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 11:00 to 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with similar hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The report details that the applicants initially sought a licence for a venue that would involve customers participating in activities, with the audience potentially joining in. The application has been amended to remove table dancing, and the entertainment is now described as live sex shows and the potential showing of pornographic films.

The report outlines the legal framework for SEV licensing under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009¹. It details the grounds on which a licence may be refused, including the applicant's suitability, the character of the locality, and the use of surrounding premises. Boston Borough Council's SEV policy² sets a maximum of one sex establishment for the Borough, and there are currently no other licensed SEVs.

Representations have been received from Lincolnshire Police, who do not object in principle but have requested specific conditions be applied. Objections have also been lodged by several individuals and Frampton Parish Council³, raising concerns about increased traffic, noise nuisance, the suitability of the premises within a rural residential area, potential reputational damage to the village, and the impact on local amenity. Some objectors have also raised concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, and the suitability of the location for such a venue. Conversely, supporting emails from customers have also been received.

The report also notes that the premises currently holds a Premises Licence⁴ under the Licensing Act 2003, granted in April 2023, which authorises the sale of alcohol, provision of recorded music, and late-night refreshment. No complaints have been received by the Council or Lincolnshire Police regarding the licensable activities authorised by this existing licence.

The committee will need to consider the application in light of the Council's SEV policy, government guidance⁵, and the representations received. The Human Rights Act 1998⁶, particularly Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 1, Protocol 1 (protection of property), will also be a consideration.

Exclusion of the Public and Press

The committee will consider a resolution to exclude the public and press from the meeting for specific agenda items. This is to allow for the consideration of exempt information, as defined by the Local Government Act 1972⁷, which is likely to involve the disclosure of information relating to individuals.