Licence revoked as sex services are uncovered
Published: 00:00, 25 March 2005
A NIGHTCLUB offering sex services has lost its late night licence after Bromley council hired a private detective to investigate it.
An undercover private eye took the assignment at Beckenham’s Harriet’s nightclub and the Clockhouse pub after complaints about noise from local residents.
The ex-policeman went undercover to find topless and scantily clad women pole dancing and lap dancing, some wearing chemise and sexy lingerie.
Private dances were also for sale from exotic Brazilian, European and black women.
Posing as a club member the private detective, in the course of his investigation, paid two young women, Marina and Marianne, to give him 'private dances’ in a curtained cubicle. He was offered a £20 service for topless dancing 'without touching’ or the £40 service 'with touching’.
In the investigation report submitted to the council the private investigator said he opted for the premium service.
Local residents seemed bemused by news that the innocent looking pub/club was involved in sex services.
“I had no idea what was happening in there. I knew there was something strange about the place because of all the bouncers on the door,” said one resident who lives adjacent to the pub.
Elderly residents received the news that the late licence was to be revoked, with relief. I don’t really care what’s going on in there so long as they keep the noise down,” said one 78-year-old, who lives behind the pub.
The pensioner said she had been kept awake by loud music coming from the club.
The public entertainment licence was revoked last week following a council meeting.
The licensing sub committee revoked the temporary licence following breaches in the conditions and complaints from members of the public.
“This is a serious matter. We are disappointed that the licensee did not ensure that the conditions were followed,” said Cllr Tony Owen, chair of the licensing and general purposes committee.
The revoking of the licence will stop dancing on the premises as well as live music provided by more than three people.
It also prevents the legal sale of alcohol after 11pm as late alcohol licences can only operate within a public entertainment licence.
FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S BROMLEY EXTRA
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