Licensing laws strengthened to give the Council tougher powers to control lapdancing in the City

The Government has given new licensing controls to Local Authorities that will allow for councils, like Brighton and Hove, to limit the number of lapdancing venues within a particular area.

This will mean that communities will be given the power to raise objections, particularly where lapdancing clubs are located near schools or places of worship.

The Labour opposition spokesperson for licensing, Cllr Jeane Lepper, will challenge the Conservative in charge of licensing in the City to make full use of the new powers given by the government.

Cllr Jeane Lepper said:
“It is great to see that Labour has closed the loophole that allowed for lapdancing clubs to be classified in the same way as bars and cafes. These new controls will mean that power will be given back to communities to say whether they think a lapdancing establishment is right for their area. However, it is up to individual councils to use these new laws to control lapdancing venues. So we will be pushing the local Conservatives to make use of the laws that will give more power to local people.”

The new rules are expected to stem the tide of lap-dancing clubs in some suburban areas. The number across the country has more than doubled since 2004 to over 300.

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk