Candy bar owner speaks out

Soho bar owner Kim Lucas claims the delay in her case against Westminster City Council has cost her £40,000.

The Candy Bar had its licensing appeal against the council dismissed after a two day hearing last week after it applied for the licence to be extended by 15 minutes on weeknights and 45 minutes on weekends and bank holidays. The Candy Bar, located at 4 Carlisle Street, argued it is the only exclusive lesbian bar in Westminster.

It took 15 months for the case to come to court which she argues cost £40,000 in legal fees and loss of business.

Kim Lucas said: " I am gravely disappointed with the decision which was not a fair reflection of the evidence and circumstances. I am still none the wiser as to what the council considers an exception."

Westminster Council refused an original application by the Soho nightspot in July 2005. The judge dismissed the appeal as the bar is located in the council's stress area and contravenes its licensing policy. The council was awarded £15,000 in costs.

Cllr Audrey Lewis, cabinet member for licensing said: "The decision is yet another example of the council's licensing policy in the stress area being upheld by the magistrates.

"Regardless of the type of bar, to extend the opening hours would go against our robust licensing policy in the West End".