Miserable
Brighton and Hove City Council is looking to introduce strict quotas to
ban any more sex shops and lap dancing clubs within the city's
boundaries.
City bosses believe the new powers will give local moralists a
greater say in restricting adult businesses.
But critics have warned the review could signal the end for Brighton
and Hove being a cheeky tourist destination.
A council report, which will be discussed by the council's licensing
committee, recommends lap dancing clubs should be upgraded from
public entertainment centres to the same category as sex shops. It
states no more than the three current lap dancing clubs should be
allowed in the city.
The plans also set maximum appropriate numbers set for sex shops,
which includes two in St James's Street, two near Brighton station and
one in Hove. Officers state there should be no more anywhere else in the
city.
Luminar Leisure, which operates Tru and Oceana nightclubs, has raised
fears with the council about whether any new legislation will affect its
podium dancers. Burlesque dancers and some Fringe acts could also be
affected.
Denise Cobb, chairthing of the council's licensing committee, said:
We welcome the new legislation which will give us tighter controls to
limit the number and location of lap dancing clubs. We are currently
consulting on a draft policy to cover lap dancing clubs and people are
welcome to give us their view to help shape this. The consultation
period runs until the end of August.
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