LAP-DANCING clubs in Soho and across London face an uncertain future from today, as new rules come in that make it easier for councils to close down places classed as sex establishments.
Popular on LondonNet
“Now we’re able to take firm action against lap-dancing,” said Richard Kemp, deputy chair of the Local Government Association and one of the authors of the new rules.
Until today, lap-dancing clubs have been in the same category as pubs for licensing purposes, but will now have to meet more stringent tests on aspects like crime prevention, nuisance value and public safety.
The new licences will also cost the clubs more money.
“The licences range in cost from £4,000 to £30,000 depending on the council,” Chris Knight, of the Lap Dancing Association, told the BBC.
“So it is an extra cost as well, and it has to be renewed annually. Indeed some local authorities will see it as a bit of a golden carrot.”
The new rules and new costs come on the back of a long-running campaign by Westminster Council to clean up Soho.
For example, last year we reported on the council’s plans to shut 15 lap-dancing clubs on its patch.
“The vast majority of visitors would never venture anywhere near the seedy premises, and the view that the sex and drugs are part of [Soho’s] ‘charm’ is simply wrong,” said Colin Barrow, Westminster Council leader.
It’s just Soho that will be affected, however.
“We’re most concerned about places where [lap-dancing clubs] grown up in suburban areas, where kids are going to school, where they’re near churches and there are quite lurid displays,” said Kemp.
