Local residents and business people who were outraged that a lap dancing club was allowed to stay open in the town centre have come together to form an action group.
ST Lounge was granted a new Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence by the General Licensing Sub-Committee at Cheshire East Council in March, despite objections from local residents, councillors and churches. The Police had no objections to the licence being granted.
Objectors have now formed 'Make Wilmslow Matter' to raise their concerns and ensure that Cheshire East Council hears their objections when the club reapplies for their license, within the next 12 months.
The Grove Street club, which has been operated since 2009 by Van Leisure Ltd, was forced to reapply for a licence following Cheshire East Council's adoption of Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 which came into effect from 4th April 2011.
The Council received thirteen letters of objection in relation to the application, during the twenty-eight day consultation period, on the grounds that the venue and location is totally inappropriate being in close proximity to churches, schools, residential areas and community facilities.
A lap dancing club has won the right to stay open in Newmarket High Street – at least for now.
Town councillors and some residents argued that the club, Heaven, was too close to churches, homes and a play area, and was inappropriate in its location, at a gateway to the town.
But the club was awarded the licence required by new guidelines at Forest Heath District Council’s licensing committee. Without it, the club would have had to close in October.
Cllr Rachel Hood, who spoke on behalf of the town council, said the club, which has been there since 2006, was “garish” and did not comply with Forest Heath’s new rules.
She said: “It does not actually matter what this club has been doing for the last six years, what matters is looking at this establishment and licensing afresh.”
There are fears the opening of a lap dancing club in the town centre could tarnish Southport’s reputation as a classic resort.
The Black Orchid Gentleman’s Club was granted a Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence in a behind-closed-doors council meeting last week.
Critics of the new establishment are worried about the impact it will have on the town’s family-friendly image.
Councillors approved the club’s licensing bid after discussions with the applicants and Merseyside Police in the meeting at Bootle Town Hall.
Minutes from the Licensing Sub-Committee reveal the police initially opposed the return of a lap dancing club on Coronation Walk.
LAP dancing at Taboo Gentlemen’s Club can now take place on a Sunday after councillors agreed to change the licence.
Despite a standard condition that no such activity should take place on a Sunday councillors agreed the move. The club is now licensed to be open until 3.15am every day of the week.
Police officers present raised concerns about “contact dancing” at the club but the applicant pointed out that there is nothing in the licence which prevents contact dancing.
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THE manager of a controversial lap dancing club claims she is the victim of ‘political correctness and discrimination’ after the Jobcentre refused to allow her to advertise for dancers.
Kate Hartley is to launch iCandy in Blackburn Road, Accrington on May 31, with the help of 45 new members of staff.
But the 45-year-old grandma said she had ‘hit a wall’ in the recruitment process after being told she could not advertise vacancies for lap dancers, bar staff, waiting on staff and doorman.
When contacted by the Lancashire Telegraph, the Jobcentre said its policy was not to advertise for lap dancers, but it was now considering whether the other positions were suitable for display in its branches.
Campaigners against the club, who collected a 1,500 signature petition in opposition, said they applauded the ban, adding that a Government service should not be used to promote the business.