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A private members' club at a "luxury" hair salon has been green-lighted by a council despite neighbours' concerns about noise and drinking.
Jo Tolley, the owner of HAIR and SKIN Beauty and Aesthetics in Margate, submitted a licensing bid for The Gold Room V.I.P Private Club this year.
It will offer exclusive privileges to customers, including alcoholic drinks during appointments, which can consumed inside or in the private garden.
The club - which has capacity for 50 people - will also host social activities, such as networking events, workshops and charity fundraisers aimed at customers aged 40 to 60.
But some neighbours said the club in Margate high street is a "major worry" and raised fears about noisy revellers.
Speaking at the licensing committee today, Ms Tolley said: "My personal focus on business is to offer something extra at the highest standard possible.
"I often feel the hair and beauty industry, being unregulated, can fail in its responsibilities. I aspire to be more than that which is why the VIP standard is so important."
She also hit out at objections she had received regarding the proposals by some neighbours.
"I think they are presuming we are an entertainment proprietary club functioning for profit and therefore their concerns are not in line with the certificate I have applied for," she said.
"I will stipulate again that we are not a profit-making club and we are not going to be providing live clubbing events. We are an additional service and reward for our loyal clients."
But neighbour Robin Haddon, co-owner of one home and whose back gardens are adjacent to the salon, said allowing drinking outside in the private garden would be "detrimental to our peace and requirements of a residential place".
"I’ve spent a lot of money building a home, we have a private garden and have been living there for many years," he said.
"The only peace and quiet we get in the Old Town is in the rear garden because the front is occupied by the parade and there is noise everywhere else.
"We have enjoyed this for a long time living adjacent to offices and a successful hairdresser."
The IT software development manager also warned the nearby Market Street car park is already a "major problem area for drinkers using them as al-fresco toilets".
"The problem is that when drinking is allowed, business owners lock up and go home, leaving residents and the council to clean up everyday," he added.
However, Thanet District Council officer Alison Branch assured the committee that the venue would not be turned into a “nightclub” with the alcohol licence.
She said: “This is not for a nightclub or any form of club, but purely to enhance public experience at the premises.”
Clarifying plans, Ms Tovey added: “If you are a normal client coming in you are not entitled to any alcohol, you have to be a club member and follow our rules.”
She also said: “You can’t bring in anybody else unless you are a guest and I have a limit to how many people are allowed in the building.”
Thanet councillors agreed to a compromise deal where a licence be granted on the condition that no live or recorded music events take place outdoors.
