Rochester's Queen Charlotte Pub Sex Licence Granted

The Queen Charlotte pub in Rochester High Street has had its licence as a sexual entertainment venue granted.

Although the bar, at the corner of the high street with Almon Place, has been a venue for strippers and exotic dancers for six years, new regulations meant it had to re-apply for a licence to continue.

At an application hearing on November the 15th, the panel heard from both the licensee of the Queen Charlotte, Luke Tamona, and local residents who objected. 

Mr Tamona stated that since taking on the pub six years ago, he had striven to ensure improvements took place and there were now none of the problems previously associated with the bar, such as under age drinking, binge drinking and violence. He'd also spent a considerable amount on improving the aesthetics and it now attracted a mixed group of people including couples and families during festivals.The dancers were discreet and operated in a separate downstairs bar area and only at set times and dates, which were not advertised until after 8pm in the evening and not with any neon signage. Mr Tamona insisted he ran a professional and strict operation, with regard for the safety of the dancers and with the intention to work with the local residents. 

The objectors' concerns lay with the nature of the business being highly unsuitable in the Rochester area due to the importance of tourism and conservation, the closeness of local schools and many students in the vicinity. Increasing crime at that end of the high street was also cited, along with local residents having to wear ear plugs to bed, due to noise nuisance. It was also stated that Rochester needed to attract a different type of clientele. However, none of the objectors had ever had cause to complain about the Queen Charlotte and it was pointed out that other venues in the area were the ones with the cheap drink campaigns, whereas the downstairs entertainment venue actually charged slightly more than the normal pub prices.

After taking everything into consideration, the Panel agreed to the licence - you can view a full report on the meeting here. Do let us know your thoughts - should the licence have been granted? Are you a local resident sporting ear plugs in bed? Let us know what you think!