Women's groups call for ban on strip clubs as council reviews policy for sexual entertainment venues
Women groups in Cheltenham are calling on the council to ban strip clubs to stop “the commercial sexual exploitation of women” in the spa town. Cheltenham Borough Council’s sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licensing policy is currently up for review.
This policy sets out the authority’s approach to the regulation of licensed SEVs in the borough. Several venues operate as strip clubs to coincide with race days in the town.
And the law allows premises where lap dancing and other sexual entertainment takes place to be exempt from licensing requirements if it takes place no more than on eleven occasions within 12 months. However, premises where lap dancing and other sexual entertainment takes place on a more frequent basis requires a licence from the local licensing authority.
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Council leaders say they are fully aware of the strong feeling, views and opinions on the licensing and operation of SEVs both locally and nationally. And as such they are keen to listen to a broad range of views and opinions on the matter as part of their policy review process.
Women's rights groups in the town say there is no real demand for lap dancing outside of meeting days at Cheltenham Racecourse. They are claim it is up to the Borough Council whether they permit SEVs in the town or not.
A spokesperson for women's rights group Safe Cheltenham said: “As Cheltenham Borough Council commence the review of their sexual entertainment venue policy it is worth remembering that outside of race events there is no demand for lap dancing in Cheltenham.
“I’d suggest this is an equivocal statement by residents that they want Cheltenham to be free of SEV’s. The council’s current policy - which permits SEV's - is counter to this.
“It is possible for Cheltenham Borough Council to take a policy decision stating a nil cap on SEVs. This is not the same as day-to-day workings of the licensing sub committee whose role is to make determinations on individual applications.
“It’s a question of whether the council wishes the town to be free of SEV's.
“The council’s current policy position supports the commercial sexual exploitation of women for the gratification of men and undermines the equality and safety of female residents. It is time for this to change.”
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Women, which is a women's liberation collective said the consultation is an opportunity for the council to consider the impact of lap dancing those working in the clubs and residents. “This impact should be at the heart of their policy making," she said.
“We urge the council to show us they are listening to women and girls, and are prepared to take action. We remind the council that the appropriate number of SEVs for Cheltenham town centre can be set at zero."
The council, in conducting its review, will seek views from a range of groups both for and against such venues. These will incldue groups representing women’s interest and safety, religious representatives, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, MPs, councillors, SEV operators and performers.