This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8511883.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| New powers over lap-dancing clubs | New powers over lap-dancing clubs |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| New powers to crack down on lap-dancing clubs will be given to local councils, the Home Office has said. | New powers to crack down on lap-dancing clubs will be given to local councils, the Home Office has said. |
| Currently residents can object to venues for licensing reasons only, such as crime and disorder, nuisance, public safety and protecting children. | |
| From April people in England and Wales will be able to oppose an application for a club on the basis that it would be inappropriate for the local area. | From April people in England and Wales will be able to oppose an application for a club on the basis that it would be inappropriate for the local area. |
| The venues would have to apply for a sex establishment licence to operate. | The venues would have to apply for a sex establishment licence to operate. |
| Existing lap-dancing clubs will be given 12 months to apply for such a licence or face closure. | |
| 'Important reforms' | 'Important reforms' |
| It is estimated the number of lap dancing clubs has doubled to more than 300 since 2004. | |
| Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Many people have told us they don't want a lap-dancing club in their neighbourhood and feel that the existing legislation does not adequately take account of their concerns. | Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Many people have told us they don't want a lap-dancing club in their neighbourhood and feel that the existing legislation does not adequately take account of their concerns. |
| "From April these important reforms will give local authorities the powers they need to respond to the concerns of local people regarding the number and location of lap-dancing clubs in their area." | "From April these important reforms will give local authorities the powers they need to respond to the concerns of local people regarding the number and location of lap-dancing clubs in their area." |
| The existence of a large number of lap-dancing clubs in a small area does have consequences for people who live and work there Chris White Local Government Association | The existence of a large number of lap-dancing clubs in a small area does have consequences for people who live and work there Chris White Local Government Association |
| Under the new rules - part of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 - local authorities will be able to stop clubs opening near schools or in quiet neighbourhoods. | Under the new rules - part of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 - local authorities will be able to stop clubs opening near schools or in quiet neighbourhoods. |
| And the number of venues can be limited in those areas where clubs are permitted. | And the number of venues can be limited in those areas where clubs are permitted. |
| Striptease acts in pubs or working mens' clubs will not be affected, as long as there are fewer than 12 performances a year. | Striptease acts in pubs or working mens' clubs will not be affected, as long as there are fewer than 12 performances a year. |
| 'Valid worries' | 'Valid worries' |
| Equality Minister Harriet Harman said: "If people don't want to have a sleazy lap-dancing club in their neighbourhood, they shouldn't be forced to have one." | Equality Minister Harriet Harman said: "If people don't want to have a sleazy lap-dancing club in their neighbourhood, they shouldn't be forced to have one." |
| The move has been welcomed by the Local Government Association (LGA). | The move has been welcomed by the Local Government Association (LGA). |
| LGA culture chairman Chris White said: "Parents' concerns about what their children might see during their walk home from school and neighbours' feelings about the reputation of their local area are very valid worries which councils wanted to be able to respond to. | LGA culture chairman Chris White said: "Parents' concerns about what their children might see during their walk home from school and neighbours' feelings about the reputation of their local area are very valid worries which councils wanted to be able to respond to. |
| "The existence of a large number of lap-dancing clubs in a small area does have consequences for people who live and work there." | "The existence of a large number of lap-dancing clubs in a small area does have consequences for people who live and work there." |
| Job losses | |
| But lap dancing club owners said a change in the law would lead to job losses and less investment in a £2.1bn industry. | |
| In 2008, Peter Stringfellow told MPs it would be wrong to make lap-dance clubs apply for a "sexual encounter" licence. | |
| He said councils already had powers to penalise clubs which put on nude shows and making clubs go through the planning process would make it more difficult for them to open. | |
| He told the MPs a sexual encounter licence in Westminster borough, central London, where his clubs are based, would cost £30,000. | |
| "I don't want anyone coming into my clubs thinking they are going to get a sexual encounter," he said at the time. | |
| Earlier in 2008, lap dancers protested at Downing Street against the proposals, saying it would stigmatise performers. | |
| The change in law follows a government consultation on licensing laws for lap-dancing clubs. |