Support Rep 1

Vauxhall, with its diverse communities and historic associations with the LGBTQ community is currently losing venues that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Whilst much of the new development in the area will bring undoubted benefits it shouldn’t be at the expense of the area’s diversity, heritage and value. Supporting evidence 1: Supporting evidence 2: Supporting evidence 3:

From: Ben WhurTo: LicensingSubject: Licence Application Statement of Support - South Bloc Application | Wayne ShiresDate: 07 December 2016 15:28:35

Dear Licensing Team

Please find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for South Bloc in Vauxhall.

I am a Lambeth Resident and our events business headquarters is also located in Brixton.

I have known Wayne Shires for over 25 years. He is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden.

He has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over a number of years: Sub Station South, Crash, Area and Summer Rites.

Wayne is well respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.

Vauxhall, with its diverse communities and historic associations with the LGBTQ community is currently losing venues that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Whilst much of the new development in the area will bring undoubted benefits it shouldn’t be at the expense of the area’s diversity, heritage and value.

I’d like to strongly express my support for the application as a resident and business owner within the Borough.

Regards – Ben

Ben WhurDirector

Proud to design. Proud to deliver.

From: Terry MarkleTo: LicensingCc: Wayne ShiresSubject: South Bloc application / Wayne ShiresDate: 12 December 2016 15:12:53

Hello,

I’ve recently learned that Wayne Shires has submitted an application to open a new LGBTQ venue in Vauxhall.  As an area resident, I’d like to voice my support for the opening of a new, well run, LGBTQ venue. 

In recent years venues across the city, especially those catering to the LGBTQ community have been forced to close their doors.  Wayne has been a fighting force in stopping this trend, opening other successful venues and events across the city.  His events are well run, bring people and revenue to the local neighbourhoods, and are well regarded throughout the community.  He has successfully created safe spaces for the LGBTQ community to meet, have a drink, and socialise in what can be an extremely hard city to do so. 

With the recent cultural protections given to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and the refurbishment of The Eagle, the addition of Bloc South would uniquely position Vauxhall as the next LGBTQ neighbourhood of London.  This destination neighbourhood would bring increased foot traffic and revenue to local businesses and will support the ongoing rejuvenation of the Vauxhall area.

The recent appointment of a Night Czar shows that Mayor Sadiq Khan sees the rejuvenation of London’s night life a priority.  We need to build and support a vibrant nightlife throughout the city that caters to more than just the “club kids” that currently inhabit Vauxhall’s night life.  Bloc South will bring a more diverse and broader subset of the LGBTQ community to Vauxhall.

I am happy to discuss my previous experiences at Wayne’s events in more detail if needed, and can be reached via telephone at  .

Sincerely,

Terry Markle, a Vauxhall resident. 

Terry Markle Bedser Close

Support Rep 2

From: Ainsley HennTo: LicensingCc: Patrick LilleySubject: Bloc South Licence ApplicationDate: 22 December 2016 15:54:48

Ainsley Henn Draymans Court,

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/

Please find the below my statement of support in the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for South Bloc in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am a Lambeth resident and member of the LGBT community and am excited about the prospect of this new LGBT venue.

Over the last year we have lost 3 LGBT safe spaces which have closed down. A fourth (the RVT) is engaged in a long running campaign to stay open.

LGBT play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They are often the first spaces people experience when they go through the life changing process of 'coming-out'. As a result they are the heartbeat of the community and play a role tantamount to a West Indian community centre, for example.

Lambeth is under regeneration which is changing the face of much of the borough. Now, more than any other time, community facilities are essential if social cohesion is to exist in a borough of such rapid change with a transient community.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park).

His venues and events host a programmes that are diverse and inclusive including LGBT BAME events.Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues.

I have no hesitation in giving my support to this application as a resident within the Borough who looks forward to visiting this space.

Kind regards, Ainsley Henn

Sent from my iPhone

Support Rep 4

From: steve elliottTo: LicensingCc: patricklilleySubject: License Application Lambeth Bloc SouthDate: 28 December 2016 11:39:22

Stephen ElliottMaxwell Road, London,

28th Dec '16

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/ LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETH BLOC SOUTH

Please find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for Bloc South in Vauxhall, Lambeth.I am a Hammersmith & Fulham Resident (and member of the LGBT community).

Over the last year we have lost 3 venues /LGBT safe spaces that catered to the community have closed down. A fourth (the RVT) has been engaged in a long running campaign to stay open. LGBT venues are few and far between and play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They act as unofficial community centres as well as places to socialise or dance. So I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park).

His venues and events host programmes that are diverse and inclusive.

Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.

Support Rep 5

I repeat that London as well as Lambeth is currently losing venues all over that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community.

I’d like to strongly express my support for the application as a resident in a London Borough.Thank you,

Stephen Elliott

From: Seán McGovernTo: LicensingCc: Patrick LilleySubject: Letter in Support of Proposed LGBT venue in LambethDate: 26 December 2016 21:26:22

NAME Seán McGovern

ADDRESS Rushcroft Road,

DATE 26/12/16

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETH

Please find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for Bloc South in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am writing to you as a Lambeth Resident as well as a member of the LGBT community. London is a vibrant, multicultural and diverse city. A true mega-city, it is a place where openness, permissiveness and alternative culture are reasons why openminded, creative and talented people wish to live here.

Over the last number of years, many venues specifically catering to LGBT people have closed down (The George and Dragon, The Hoist, The Joiners' Arms, Manbar, Barcode, Candy Bar, Chariots Shoreditch to name but a handful) A Lambeth venue, the RVT, has been engaged in a long running campaign to stay open. LGBT venues are increasingly few and far between and admittedly play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They act as unofficial community centres, multipurpose venues as well as places to socialise or dance. I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden which have proven to be successes in more challenging times. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park). His venues and events host a programmes that are diverse and inclusive including LGBT BAME events.

Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues.

At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.

It has been noted that access to diverse and inclusive venues makes cities a more desirable place for creative and talented people, and I feel that London is on the edge of becoming a place that caters only caters for the wealthy. We cannot risk losing venues that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Lambeth has a long history of being a trailblazing borough in London and many LGBT people travel from greater distances to places like Lambeth to find safe social spaces.

Support Rep 6

It is as a result of the above that I’d like to strongly express my support for the application as a resident within the Borough.

Yours sincerely,

Seán McGovern,

--Seán McGovernGuest Services CoordinatorFRINGE! Queer Film & Arts Fest

From: Andrew BoffTo: LicensingSubject: Application: Bloc South , 65 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TPDate: 21 December 2016 12:38:14

Bloc South , 65 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP

I have attended a number of events operated by Mr Shires, who will be managing the premises under the proposed licence, and have always found them to be run in a most professional and considerate way.  From first hand I have seen how the safety of customers at his premises has been the prime consideration of the staff and management.The proposed new venue would be a great asset to a community that has seen its meeting places dwindle over the past few years. The location also has the added advantage of being a suitable place for late licensing and so bolster the night time economy, an aim of the Greater London Authority’s Night Time Commission.The night time economy makes a substantial contribution to jobs in the UK but can give rise to crime and disorder if not managed professionally. I do hope, therefore, that the committee will allow the application safe in the knowledge that it will be in the hands of a reputable operator.

Yours faithfully

Andrew BoffMember of the London AssemblyLONDON ASSEMBLY

The Queen's Walk,London

Support Rep 7

From: Robert MartinTo: LicensingCc: "Wayne Shires"Subject: Bloc South - new LGBT Venue applicationDate: 08 December 2016 13:15:30

Hi there,

I wanted to write a short note of support for the application to open a new LGBT Venue in South London – Bloc South.

The LGBT Scene in South London has seen a definite decline in recent years and I think it would be great to see new venues and choices opening.

These add to the desirability of the area as a place where real people can live, meet and socialize, rather than just invest in property/ pay high rents and buy bland sandwiches from high street chains.

I know Wayne Shires for several years, and have attended his venues and events many times – East Bloc, Bloc Bar, Summer Rites, Area, Brut etc.

They are always professionally and safely run, with consideration for the local neighbourhood as well as the punters, who always have a great time.

I am a local resident – Hackford Road, Stockwell/ Oval and would like to reiterate my support here.

Thanks for confirming receipt and for taking my support onboard.

Robert Martin

Support Rep 8

From: Richard MurkinTo: LicensingSubject: South Bloc Application - Wayne ShiresDate: 28 December 2016 23:29:47

I am emailing in support of the above application.

Vauxhall has in the past had a vibrant LGBTQ scene, but in recent years, as property prices have risen, this has ebbed. I know that Wayne Shires has successfully run various venues in Lambeth in the past, and currently runs East Bloc and the Bloc Camden. In my view, a new LGBTQ venue in Vauxhall would be good for both the community and the local economy, and I think that Shires is just the person to achieve this. He is a long established LGBTQ venue operator with an excellent track record of running venues safely, and as a long term Lambeth resident, I have enjoyed various of his previous Lambeth ventures.

I therefore wholeheartedly support his new application.

Richard Murkin Orlando Road,

Support Rep 9

From: Richard MortimerTo: LicensingSubject: License application for Bloc SouthDate: 29 December 2016 20:26:41

NAME Richard MortimerADDRESS Bedford Road, DATE 27 dec 2016

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETHPlease find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for Bloc South in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am a Lambeth Resident (and member of the LGBT community). Over the last year we have lost 3 venues /LGBT safe spaces that catered to the community have closed down. A fourth (the RVT) has been engaged in a long running campaign to stay open. LGBT venues are few and far between and play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They act as unofficial community centres as well as places to socialise or dance. So I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park). His venues and events host a programmes that are diverse and inclusive including LGBT BAME events.Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.I repeat that London as well as Lambeth is currently losing venues all over that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Many LGBT travel from their home areas to places like Lambeth to find safe social spaces.

I’d like to strongly express my support for the application as a resident within the Borough.Thank you,

Richard Mortimer

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

Support Rep 10

From: philip normalTo: LicensingSubject: South Bloc Application / Wayne ShiresDate: 29 December 2016 19:32:30

To Whom It May Concern.

Wayne Shires ( Bloc South ) has made an application for a new late night LGBTQ venue in Vauxhall. Over the past few years, the LGBT community has lost many loved and well used spaces, which has damaged the community greatly. Mr Shires has run venues across London for many years, and is a very responsible licence holder, that deeply cares about the LGBT community and community safety in general, he has created safe spaces for people to socialise and get together, something the LGBT community needs more of, especially in Vauxhall, and this would also benefit the economy. I fully support this application.

Should you require any more information or you would like to discuss anything with me, do not hesitate in contacting me.

Many Thanks

PHILIP NORMAL

LGBT OFFICER VAUXHALL LABOUR

OVAL SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS WARD PANEL CHAIR

Support Rep 11

From: Paul LofflerTo: Licensing; LicensingSubject: Bloc South - 16/00332/PRMNEWDate: 28 December 2016 12:49:46

Dear Sirs

I am writing to register my endorsement for the new licence application for Bloc South. As an LGBT Londoner who frequently visits the Vauxhall area and the other Bloc late night venues. I think it would be an enormous benefit to the local community to have this well run and friendly group of venues operate and open in the area.

In this day and age where the LGBT communities are losing venues month after month. I would ask the committee to approve this licence to support entrepreneurs with a focus on this sector.

RegardsPaul Loffler

Support Rep 12

From: Paul ConsTo: LicensingCc: Patrick LilleySubject: re Bloc South License applicationDate: 28 December 2016 12:16:41

NAME Paul ConsADDRESS Roupell Street DATE 28.12.16

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/ LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETH BLOC SOUTH

Please find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for Bloc South in Vauxhall, Lambeth.I am a Lambeth Resident (and member of the LGBT community).

Over the last year we have lost 3 venues /LGBT safe spaces that catered to the community have closed down. A fourth (the RVT) has been engaged in a long running campaign to stay open. LGBT venues are few and far between and play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They act as unofficial community centres as well as places to socialise or dance. So I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park).

His venues and events host programmes that are diverse and inclusive.

Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.

I repeat that London as well as Lambeth is currently losing venues all over that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community.

I’d like to strongly express my support for the application as a resident within the Borough.Thank you,

Paul Cons

Support Rep 13

From: Ker MilanTo: LicensingSubject: Support for Wayne ShiresDate: 07 December 2016 12:45:30

Dear Sir/ Madam.

This e-mail is in support of Mr Wayne Shires, & to inform you what I know of his work. Wayne has been a big influence on & off the LGBTQ community forward as long as I can remember, his contributions in both the private & public sector is immense, all the work he puts into his projects, benefit not just the LGBTQ community but further a field. I can honestly say, that what ever Wayne puts his hands to, will turn to gold, with not a selfish act on self admiration on his behalf. He's a very genuine character with everybody's interests at heart, I can only add that this new venture would be a great benefit to all. If you require more information from me, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Mr Ker Milan.

Sent from my iPhone

Support Rep 14

From: Ian BuchanTo: LicensingSubject: South Bloc application / Wayne ShiresDate: 07 December 2016 16:07:06

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in support of Mr Shires's application for a new late night venue in Vauxhall by the name of 'South Bloc'. I truly believe that the addition of a LGBTQ venue in the busy area of Vauxhall is a necessity in these times of homogenisation and conformity. Vauxhall has behaved as a beacon for the gay community for several decades now and we all fear its gradual erosion and eventual disappearance.

Full credit is deserved by Mr Shires for his decades of work towards keeping the spirit of the gay community's night scene alive. From various night clubs such as Sub Station South, Crash and Area (very close to the new proposition and I trust evidence of his ability to run such establishments) to the larger scale events (e.g. the successful Summer Rites), Mr Shires has consistently demonstrated his ability to create value and great community response with well-run ventures.

As a Lambeth resident for over ten years, I do not underestimate Mr Shires's evident passion behind this particular project and would urge you to consider it in a positive light. As a regular DJ at the nearby Royal Vauxhall Tavern, I warmly encourage the addition of further establishments which provide choice for the community at a time when choices are generally declining.

Please let me know if you have any queries.

Kind regards,

Ian BuchanReedworth Street

Support Rep 15

From: Hanna L TomsTo: LicensingCc: Patrick LilleySubject: Bloc South applicationDate: 23 December 2016 15:25:38

Hanna Toms Cornwall,

23/12/16

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETHPlease find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for Bloc South in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am a member of the LGBT community who visits the area regularly to access LGBT venues.Over the last year we have lost 3 venues /LGBT safe spaces that catered to the community have closed down. A fourth (the RVT) has been engaged in a long running campaign to stay open. LGBT venues are few and far between and play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They act as unofficial community centres as well as places to socialise or dance. So I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park). His venues and events host a programmes that are diverse and inclusive including LGBT BAME events.Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.I repeat that London as well as Lambeth is currently losing venues all over that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Many LGBT travel from their home areas to places like Lambeth to find safe social spaces.I’d like to strongly express my support for the application.Thank you, Hanna Toms

Sent from my iPhone

Support Rep 16

From: frederic marchiolTo: LicensingCc: Patrick LilleySubject: LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETHDate: 27 December 2016 07:43:20

NAME Frederic MARCHIOL ADDRESS brixton road London DATE 27 dec 2016

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETHPlease find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for Bloc South in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am a Lambeth Resident (and member of the LGBT community). Over the last year we have lost 3 venues /LGBT safe spaces that catered to the community have closed down. A fourth (the RVT) has been engaged in a long running campaign to stay open. LGBT venues are few and far between and play a far more significant role in our community than in some others. They act as unofficial community centres as well as places to socialise or dance. So I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall.

Wayne Shires is a highly professional and well regarded LGBTQ business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden. He will bring those skills to Bloc South.

Wayne has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: Sub Station South in Brixton as well as Crash & Area in Vauxhall. He also create and promoted an LGBT festival Summer Rites which was also based in Lambeth (starting in Kennington Park and moving to Brockwell Park). His venues and events host a programmes that are diverse and inclusive including LGBT BAME events.Wayne is respected within the LGBTQ community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBTQ venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.I repeat that London as well as Lambeth is currently losing venues all over that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Many LGBT travel from their home areas to places like Lambeth to find safe social spaces.

I’d like to strongly express my support for the application as a resident within the Borough.Thank you,

Sent from my iPhone

Support Rep 17

From: Eyal LaviTo: LicensingSubject: South Bloc application / Wayne ShiresDate: 11 December 2016 11:47:17

Dear Lambeth Council,

I fully support the above application. I am a resident of the area and a member of Lambeth's large gay community. Vauxahll is an established night time destination and many venues have operated there safely over the years. Recently some of them closed, and this negatively affected the local economy. With fewer active venues and fewer people, the area also feels less safe than. With London being overtaken by residential developments, Vauxhall is one of the few remaining areas where late-night venues can operate relatively freely. Granting this licence will buck the trend of urban sterilisation and send a positive message to residents of the borough that the Council is committed to protecting this important part of Lambeth life.

Kind regards,

Eyal Lavi Sancrot Street

London

Support Rep 18

Support Rep 19

From: David ReidTo: LicensingSubject: Re Application for a late night license by Wayne ShiresDate: 29 December 2016 01:39:44

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to you in relation to an application for a new late nightlicences for an LGBTQ venue in Vauxhall (Lambeth). I know that WayneShires who previously had the Lambeth club the Bloc South has appliedfor the license.

I have lived and worked in Lambeth for many years (approximately 12years working in the borough and 21 living in it). I currently livenear the proposed club.

I have also known Wayne for many years through the public health workI have done with LGBTQ venues, which he has supported and alsosocially. As a gay man I have attended the clubs he has provided andbenefitted from the society that uses the LGBTQ commercialinfrastructure.

Lambeth as you know has one of the highest concentrations of Gay menin the UK and has valuable clubs such as Club ‘Wotever’ at the RoyalVauxhall Tavern which is enjoyed by trans, intersex and non-binarypeople. The area I live in has a very high density of gay men inparticular, many who enjoy the commercial gay scene based in Vauxhall.

Initially encouraged by Lambeth, I watched this scene build up andsubsequently with the advent of geospatial social networkingtechnology and economic austerity, decline through poorer attendance.Some clubs have since closed and Lambeth resident are poorer for it.

Wayne has provided through his businesses valuable social spaces forLGBTQ people and events such as Summer Rites, which was a socialfestival in the park in Kennington and elsewhere. I know that he isextremely capable and professional and I feel that his proposed clubwould be an asset to the local community and with the increasingpopulation in the area would provide a much needed service in relationto a late night place to go. The area brings people in from all overLondon, the UK and the world. I feel it would also be a benefit tothe local economy, for e.g. I know that the hotel next to me and thelocal restaurants benefit from overseas and out of town LGBTQ peoplecoming to visit clubs in Vauxhall.

I feel that Wayne has always shown a sophisticated understanding ofthe LGBTQ community in terms of providing spaces that are safe andenjoyable, and which are successful economically. I cannot think ofanother contemporary promoter in this area with more experience thanWayne.

I would like to ask you to consider his application for a late licensefavourably. If you would like to discuss the matter please do nothesitate to contact me.

Best wishes

David

Support Rep 20

David ReidTradescant Road

London Ph

From: Charlotte PutinasTo: LicensingSubject: Wayne shires applicationDate: 28 December 2016 22:01:00

Email to whom it may concernsLicensing@lambeth.gov.uk

Dear sir/madamAs a Bi sexual women living in Lambeth I've had the pleasure of frequenting wayne shires venues, both in Vauxhall, when they were operating and more recently in Camden and shoreditch over many years.I've always found them to be safe and friendly venues in which to socialise so when I heard he might be returning to Vauxhall when so many bars and clubs have closed I was delighted. I am there for in full support of his application and trust he is successful.

Kind regards

Charlotte PutinasPablo Neruda Close

Support Rep 22

From: Charlie HunterTo: LicensingSubject: South Bloc application / Wayne ShiresDate: 29 December 2016 17:30:49

Dear Sirs,

I’m just writing a quick note to say that I fully support Wayne Shire’s application for a late night LGBTQ venue in Vauxhall.

As a gay man living in Lambeth (Oval Quarter) I was happy to hear of the possibility of a new gay safe-space opening in the area.

In the past I have enjoyed his previous events and venues in Labeth. I’ve attended Sub Station South and Crash; In both those venues I felt they were well run, comfortable and safe places to meet my friends.I have also attended his current venues (East Bloc and The Bloc Camden) and enjoy them too.

I’m very excited at the possibility of having a new local venue that myself and my friends can attend.I hope Wayne's application is successful

Regards

Charles Hunter

Patmos RoadLondon

Support Rep 23

Gay Buddy Ltd

Great Ormond Street London

Registered in England

14 December 2016

To whom it may concern

South Bloc Licence Application To Lambeth Council

Please find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for South Bloc in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am a member of London’s LGBT community and have been connected to the local gay scene in various roles since 2000. This has included publishing a gay magazine and running my own gay bar. Currently I am a trustee for a human rights foundation and filmmaker with a focus on documentaries on counter-culture subjects. As the publisher of the Gay London Guide I have witness the number of gay venues dramatically decrease by 30% in the past 5 years.

LGBT venues are few and far between and play a far more significant role in our community than in some other communities. They act as unofficial community centres as well as places to socialise or dance. For many young men and women they play an important part in their adult development.

I have known Wayne Shires for about 15 years and know him to be a highly professional and well regarded LGBT business professional who has, and continues to operate well-respected venues and events across London, notably East Bloc and The Bloc Camden.

Wayne Shires has a strong connection with Lambeth having successfully operated venues and events in the Borough over 20 years: SubStation South, Crash, Area and the LGBT festival Summer Rites. His venues and events host a programmes that are diverse and inclusive including LGBT BAME events. His advertising helps support LGBT publications. He provides jobs not just within the community but outside of it too.

Wayne is respected within the LGBT community in London for providing safe, professionally operated and well programmed venues. At a time when many LGBT venues are closing due to rising rents, costs and redevelopment, Wayne has managed to open and operate venues that contribute to the wider community and local economy.

I repeat that London as well as Lambeth is currently losing venues all over that provide a safe and well managed environment for the community. Many LGBT travel from their home areas to places like Lambeth to find safe social spaces.

I’d like to strongly express my support for the application. Should you wish for further information to support this application I can be contacted on

Best regards

Chris Amos

Support Rep 24

From: Brian RobinsonTo: LicensingCc:Subject: Bloc South application / Wayne ShiresDate: 22 December 2016 21:49:20

NAME: Brian RobinsonADDRESS: Roupell Street, Lambeth, London DATE: 22nd December 2016

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/LICENSE APPLICATION LAMBETH

Please find the below statement of support for the licence application submitted by Wayne Shires for South Bloc in Vauxhall, Lambeth.

I am a Lambeth Resident (and member of the LGBT community) and have variously lived, worked and socialised in the borough for over 30 years.

I would very much like to support the licence application by Wayne Shires as he has a long history of working with venues and creating important spaces for LGBT socialising.

I am happy to hear plans for a new LGBT venue in Lambeth, Bloc South in Vauxhall. Wayne is a committed and driven entrepreneur who has made a career out of running efficient and effective nightclubs and events. His dynamic professionalism was most evident in his running of the hugely successful Summer Rites party events in Brockwell Park.

At a time when LGBT venues are closing in London at an increasing rate I applaud his skill and ambition in helping to continue to preserve these much needed spaces.

For the last 17 years I have been employed by the BFI as a film programmer for Flare: London LGBT Film Festival (previously the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival) and believe that Wayne’s club will be an asset that we need in Lambeth.

Thank you,

Brian Robinson

Support Rep 25