Police opposing licence bid by Blackpool swingers club with 11,145 members, a dungeon and a sauna

Police are objecting to a premises licence application by a lifestyle and swingers club in Blackpool.

Club Play, based at Back Ribble Road in central Blackpool, is a private members’ club where like-minded couples and singles meet up in designated lounge and bar areas and make use of specialised play spaces including 19 themed rooms.

The discreet venue features couples’ areas, a dungeon, and dedicated zones for various alternative lifestyle preferences, including an on-site heated pool, hot tub, sauna facilities and cinema.

The venue has applied to Blackpool Council’s licensing department for its first long term premises licence, seeking permission to carry out licensable activities such as live music, recorded music and the sale of alcohol.

The application requests permission for the performance of live music and playing of recorded music from Sundays to Thursdays from 11pm to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays 11pm to 3am, and also the supply of alcohol (on and off the premises) Sundays to Thursdays from noon to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 3am.

The application is made on behalf of Paul Bevon, the director of club owner Innuendo Limited who is also the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor.

However, Lancashire Police say they are objecting to the proposals because the club does not agree to conditions to employ door security at the site.

The club argues that because it is a private members’ amenity, it does not need to use such measures, which would affectively cost the club £10,400 a year for one door person alone, working at weekends.

But the police have raised concerns and due to the police challenge, the matter will be determined by Blackpool’s licensing panel on Thursday.

Club’s viewpoint

Agent Mark Marshall, of specialist licensing firm M Squared Services, said in a written statement to the committee: “The applicant estimates that the cost of one door supervisor, if required for five hours on both Friday and Saturday evenings at £20 per hour, would be approximately £200 per week, or approximately £10,400 per annum.

“The precise cost will depend upon the contractor and hours required. The premises have characteristics which distinguish them from a conventional nightclub or public house.

“The premises are deliberately discreet. There is no prominent external signage; the premises are located between a large church and surrounding residential property, and access is via an alleyway.

“The business does not seek passing trade. It operates principally for a membership-based clientele, many of whom are familiar with similar venues elsewhere in the region.

“The applicant’s evidence is that operating margins are tight and that the principal income streams are limited to entry fees and the sale of soft drinks.”

The applicant argues that operating hours alone should not determine whether a fixed door-supervisor condition is appropriate.

What police say

The police have taken crime reports from the wider vicinity into account and are recommending that the licence should only be granted if the application is amended, or if conditions are applied.

These conditions include requirements that a minimum of one SIA (Security Industry Authority) door staff will be on duty from 10pm until closing time, on each Friday and Saturday night, as well as all other days where nonstandard hours are in operation.

At all other times the licence holder will determine an appropriate number of door staff, after a risk assessment maintained by the licence holder and which must be available for inspection if required.

In addition, a signing in sheet is to be completed by all members of door staff on duty at the premises to include the times of their tour of duty, SIA badge number, and full name printed, signature and date of birth of each individual door supervisor.

At all times while licensable activity is taking place, a personal licence holder will be on site, except in the case of emergency.

Lancashire Constabulary’s PC Guy Harrison said in a report to the committee: “The Police consider that a number of conditions are needed to be added to the operating schedule in order to prevent crime and disorder and prevent public nuisance.

“I spoke to the applicant’s representative on the telephone and outlined the conditions I believe need adding to the proposed licence.

“The applicant’s representative stated that the applicant would not be willing to accept the conditions that I proposed

.“The Police therefore object to the application. If the applicant was to subsequently agree to the conditions proposed below then our objection would be withdrawn.”