All lap-dancing clubs forced to re-apply

All lap-dancing clubs will have to apply for a new licence under strict new rules unveiled by the Government.

The Policing and Crime Bill establishes a new Sex Establishment Licence and all venues — even existing lap-dancing clubs — will have to apply for a new licence.

Local authorities will have the power to set a limit on the number of licences it grants.

The Government has admitted this could lead to a "small number" closing altogether but said an automatic grant of a licence would "be contrary to the intent behind these reforms, which is to give local people greater say over the number and location of lap-dancing clubs".

There will be a transitional period of 12 months for clubs to apply for a licence. Existing and new clubs can apply in the first six months — at the end of which local authorities will decide how many licences to grant.

Applications for new licences in the second six months will be considered on an individual basis if quotas have not been filled.

Local residents would be able to make representations against the granting of a sex establishment licence on the grounds that it is an inappropriate location or that the number in the area is already too great.

Objections would differ from those that fall under the four objectives of the 2003 Licensing Act to sell alcohol — prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm.

Local power​

"We are aware that in recent years there have been instances where lap dancing clubs have been granted licences despite significant local opposition," the consultation said.

"In many of these cases licensing authorities were unable to consider local opposition that fell outside the scope of the four licensing objectives.

"In some cases, the result has been that lap dancing clubs have opened, and continue to operate, against the wishes of local people. For this reason, the Government believes that local communities should be given the opportunity to have their say over how or whether existing venues operate in the future."

Home Office minister Alan Campbell added: "These important reforms will give local authorities the powers they have called for to allow them to respond more effectively to the views of local people, who have become increasingly concerned about the number of lap dancing clubs being established in their communities."

But licensing expert Peter Coulson asked: "Will local authorities be able to set a limit of zero?"

Moral judgement​

Last year, the Lap Dancing Association (LDA) slammed the proposals. "This is not a case of communities being given a greater say in the way they are run — it is a case of Whitehall passing a moral judgement on our industry," said LDA secretary Kate Nicholls.

"This regime will do nothing more than placing a huge regulatory burden on our industry and stigmatise all those who work in it.

"You would hope that in the current economic climate the Government would be trying to help businesses, not introducing pointless measures which could put people out of work."

• The consultation closes on 14 December 2009. To have your say click here.​