20/3/2008

Local News

Table dancing ‘not appropriate’

EXOTIC table dancing could come to Fleet soon, if a licensing application by a town centre bar is successful.
The application by the Sports Bar in Albert Street has met with opposition from  people living nearby and further afield who believe it is the wrong place for such a facility.
A letter signed by eight district councillors objecting to the prospect has also been delivered to the local authority’s licensing department.
The Sports Bar wants to offer the adults-only entertainment Monday to Wednesday evenings from 8pm to midnight, then Thursday to Saturday evenings until 1am, along with the associated extension to selling alcohol.
A hearing is booked for 10am next Thursday, where councillors Gill Butler, Colin Ive and Pritbal Singh will deliberate.
Objections from 11 people have been received by Hart Council, fearing a public nuisance and an increase in noise levels from the bar.
Police concerns over public nuisance, prevention of crime and protection of harm to children when
adult entertainment is being performed, were withdrawn after the applicant agreed to abide by certain conditions.
Ward councillor John Pearson said he was very concerned, as were “several” of his fellow councillors.
He sent a letter to neighbouring householders explaining the application process and advising them how to make comments if they wished.
A Fleet mum who did not wish to be named, told the Star: “I’m disappointed about this.
“Fleet is a family town and this is not appropriate.
“It’s based in a shopping centre used by families.
“It’s a shame the bar has gone down this route rather than turn into an upmarket wine bar, which would be much more appealing.”
l Visitors to the online licensing service can only see the agenda and licensing officer’s report regarding the application.
Papers such as the police comments, conditions the applicant has agreed to, and neighbours’ objections, are not published for public scrutiny.
These reports will only be revealed to the hearing  members and councillors.
The licensing officer’s report also contains a major error – the title refers to the Sports Bar but the rest of the report is the repeat of a paper published last year into an application by Subway in Fleet Road for late opening, a completely different case.
Councillors received the correct version

First printed in: Surrey Hants Star