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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| New powers over lap-dancing clubs | New powers over lap-dancing clubs |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| New powers to control lap-dancing clubs are being given to councils in England and Wales, the Home Office has said. | New powers to control lap-dancing clubs are being given to councils in England and Wales, the Home Office has said. |
| Current licensing laws put clubs in the same category as pubs and cafes and councils can object only on the grounds of crime, nuisance or public safety. | Current licensing laws put clubs in the same category as pubs and cafes and councils can object only on the grounds of crime, nuisance or public safety. |
| From April, clubs will be classed as sex establishments and residents will be able to oppose venues for being "inappropriate" to the area. | From April, clubs will be classed as sex establishments and residents will be able to oppose venues for being "inappropriate" to the area. |
| Existing clubs will have 12 months to apply for a licence or face closure. | Existing clubs will have 12 months to apply for a licence or face closure. |
| 'Important reforms' | 'Important reforms' |
| The change in law follows a government consultation on licensing laws for lap-dancing clubs. | |
| It is estimated the number of such 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. | The move has been welcomed by the Local Government Association. |
| Its 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. | Its 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." |
| But lap dancing club owners said a change in the law would lead to job losses and lower investment in a £2.1bn industry. | But lap dancing club owners said a change in the law would lead to job losses and lower investment in a £2.1bn industry. |
| In 2008, club owner Peter Stringfellow told MPs it would be wrong to make lap-dance clubs apply for a "sexual encounter" licence. | In 2008, club owner 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 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. | 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. | "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. | Earlier in 2008, lap dancers protested at Downing Street against the proposals, saying it would stigmatise performers. |