Published on 14th April 2014

An empty pole on a stage in a club

Cheltenham Borough Council has today launched a 12 week consultation on whether to limit the number of licensed sexual entertainment venues in the borough.

In 2010 the council adopted new legislation that empowered it to licence premises that frequently offer sexual entertainment.  The same legislation also gave the council the ability to set a limit on the number of permitted sexual entertainment venues, which includes ‘zero’ as an option.

Sexual entertainment is commonly associated with lap dancing or pole dancing clubs, but could include any type of performance or display that is provided solely or principally for the purpose of sexually stimulating any member of the audience.

The council’s current policy does not set a limit. Instead, it deals with each application on a case-by-case basis.  The council is now asking the public, through its consultation process, whether the council should change its policy by adopting a limit.

Mike Redman, director of environmental and regulatory services, said: “We are asking people who live and work in Cheltenham, and those affected by premises offering sexual entertainment, to give their views on whether the council should limit the number of premises that offer this type of entertainment.”

“Whilst the council recognises that sexual entertainment is a legitimate form of entertainment, it is also important that local people are able to give their views on issues that affect their local communities.”

“I would encourage the residents of Cheltenham to take this opportunity to help shape the future of this town.”


For press enquiries contact: Lisa Davies, communications and web team leader, telephone 01242 775037, email [email protected]

Notes:

  • The public consultation will run from 14 April 2014 and will close on 30 June 2014.
  • Visit: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/consultations
  • The ‘new legislation’ mentioned above refers to The Police and Crime Act 2009, which permitted the council to licence sexual entertainment venues
  • This consultation only relates to licensed sexual entertainment venues not those that are able to offer sexual entertainment under the permitted statutory exemption (i.e. those that only offer sexual entertainment once a month for no longer than 24 hours each time).  The council has no power to limit the number of premises that offer sexual entertainment under the exemption.