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2010-04-06 04:25:30
Lap-dancing clubs in England must apply to councils for a licence under new
rules which have come into force.
The venues are now classed as sex establishments rather than as pubs or cafes,
making it easier for people to say they are "inappropriate".
Councils will only be able to reject the application for a licence on the
grounds of crime, nuisance or public safety - but not for moral reasons.
The change will be introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland at later dates.
Clubs will also have to pay for new licences under the new rules.
Chris Knight, from the Lap Dancing Association, believes the changes could
affect many businesses.
'Firm action'
He said it "isn't a licence that's replacing what we've already got", but is
"in addition" to an existing one.
Mr Knight said: "The licences range in cost from 4,000 to 30,000 depending on
the council.
"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."
Richard Kemp, deputy chairman of the Local Government Association, worked with
the Fawcett Society - which campaigns for equality between men and women - to
draw up the new regulations.
He said: "We're most concerned about places where they've grown up in suburban
areas - where kids are going to school.....where they're near churches and
there are quite lurid displays.
"The trouble is people have been coming along to councils and councillors and
saying this is disgraceful what are you doing about it?
"And the answer until today has been nothing, because we've had no powers to
act. Now we're able to take firm action against lap-dancing."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/8604246.stm
Published: 2010/04/06 06:22:30 GMT