Camden Council is being urged to refuse a new licence for Blue Rose, a sex shop in Kentish Town, after police discovered illegal sales of erectile dysfunction medication. The Metropolitan Police has recommended the council deny the renewal, citing serious public health risks.
Police inspections uncover illegal drug sales
During inspections, licensing officers found tins filled with Sildenafil tablets, a regulated medicine, being sold over the counter. The drug, similar to Viagra, is illegal to supply unless by a doctor or pharmacist. Officers seized large quantities, including 200mg tablets, double the recommended maximum daily dose of 100mg.
PC Christopher Malone, the Met’s Licensing Officer, noted that while the venue had been compliant for over a decade, the criminal offence warrants licence refusal. “Research shows that taking 200 mg of Sildenafil can potentially lead to serious or fatal outcomes if the person has heart conditions or disease,” he stated in his report.
Health risks and additional concerns
PC Malone highlighted that users could suffer severe blood pressure drops, especially when combined with nitrates, blood pressure medications, or recreational drugs like poppers, which were also sold on-site. Police also found unmarked bottles of clear liquid, claimed to be poppers, but could have contained dangerous substances like GHB, raising safety concerns for women and girls in the night-time economy.
The employee on duty during both inspections was unknown to authorities, not listed on the premises licence, and lacked training to sell medication. “They could sell it to anyone, young and old,” PC Malone said. The shop also failed to provide a detailed incident log, a strict licence requirement.
Second inspection and compliance
In May, police returned to seize drugs and interview the owner, but the shop was again operated by an unapproved male employee, and all Sildenafil and poppers had been removed. Camden’s licensing team later inspected the premises in June and found it “compliant with all standards, amended and additional conditions.”
One resident has also complained about the shop’s signage being offensive, given the area’s many school-aged children.
Licence decision pending
The Blue Rose’s licence application will be heard by Camden’s Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday, August 6. The outcome will determine whether the shop can continue operating.
