A CONTROVERSIAL hotel has been allowed to keep its licence, despite a history of police incidents at the venue.

The Skylark Hotel’s licence was subject to a review by Essex Police and Rochford District Council, but following extended talks between the hotel and police, an agreement was reached.

The council’s sub-licensing committee ratified the new licence for the Aviation Way premises, subject to Essex Police and the hotel ironing out the final policy details within 30 days.

Negotiations between the police and hotel owner Andreas Stavrinides began at an initial hearing two weeks ago and have continued since.

Emma Collins, representing Essex Police, said: “Essex Police has had strong concerns about this licence application, but these conditions attached to this licence can address these concerns at this stage.”

Police applied for a licensing review for the third time since January 2013.

Licensing officer Steven Greener reported a number of teenagers were arrested or taken to hospital after drinking at a private party there in February.

Mr Greener said the final straw came during a rave called “Siesta” in July when police had to escort one of the DJs out, after receiving reports he would be shot dead over a debt.

At the same event a girl, believed to be in her twenties, was reportedly raped on stage, while a reveller tried to climb the perimeter fence of nearby Southend Airport and lights from the event disrupted flights.

Councillor Keith Hudson, chairing the hearing, said: “It is our goal to ensure that our children are properly looked after at this location.”

The new licence comprises four separate licences for the hotel, their in-house nightclub ‘Zero 6’, function rooms and external areas.

The committee also raised the issues of external ‘dragon lights’ which interfered with flights at nearby Southend Airport.

But David Dadds, representing Mr Stavrinides at the hearing, allayed fears over lighting and welcomed the overall outcome.

He said: “There will be a lighting management policy and the police will make sure the airport will be consulted.”

COUNCIL'S CONDITIONS:

HOTEL:

  • A policy document to be agreed with Essex Police on CCTV provision at the hotel and how it is configured and managed
  • A Challenge 25 identification system to be enforced
  • Where under-18s are admitted, they shall be supervised by a responsible adult
  • Ongoing policy reviews (with police) regarding crime and disorder, drugs, weapons, theft and ejections

ZERO 6:

  • Trading hours of 9am to 3am, during which time alcohol can be sold ! Dancing, performance of dance, live music, recorded music or films between 8pm and 3am
  • At least three door staff employed on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm until all patrons have left
  • When let out to independent promoters, full details to be given to Essex Police and Rochford District Council 14 days in advance
  • A drug safe installed, to store any seized items, and a log book kept to record and seizures
  • Police to have key access to the drug safe and the log book

EXTERNAL AREAS:

  • Ongoing policy reviews (with police) regarding noise management, in consultation with environmental health, and lighting management