Strip clubs in Cheltenham - policy strengthened
Concerns over strip clubs in Cheltenham have led to a strengthening of policies for such businesses operating in the Gloucestershire spa town.
The policies governing strip club licences in Cheltenham are being strengthened amid a strong opposition to such venues in the spa town.
Cheltenham Borough Council has agreed the revisions to its sexual entertainment venue (SEV) policy which was set in 2020.
It includes a designated permitted area where there is no limit on the number of licensed SEVs.
The council does not take any moral stand regarding the regulation of sexual entertainment.
And their current policy recognises that Parliament has made it lawful to operate a sex establishment and that such businesses.
However, council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) told a full council meeting at the Municipal Offices on June 22 that the licensing of sexual entertainment venues is a “very challenging matter”.
She explained the council’s general regulatory approach is one that prefers licensing and full regulation of SEVs as opposed to allowing the venues to operate under the infrequency exemption.
Cllr Hay said there was a high probability that SEVs would continue to operate unlicensed and unregulated, which also means that public protection and safety risks are substantially increased.
“It remains the job of the local authorities to find a pragmatic way forward,” she said.
And Cllr Victoria Atherstone (LD, St Peter’s) said that venue operators are drawn to the spa town by its popular festivals.
She said that by law they could have a nil approach to SEVs but they are allowed to operate under law.
“It would just mean they wouldn’t be licensed,” she said. “And without licensing, all horrors can take place.”
She went on to say she was fully in favour of all the proposed changes to the policy.
“It is the strongest, safest policy we could put forward at this time.”
There was strong opposition to SEVs among those who responded to the consultation with many calling for zero venues in Cheltenham.
There was also resistance to issuing new licences or expanding the permitted area amid concerns that SEVs would damage the town’s reputation and identity as a cultural, family-friendly destination.
The council voted to take on the proposed strengthened policy approach in relation to equality and buildings or premises with sensitive uses or located in sensitive areas.
And borough chiefs will consider whether the premises are sited near properties which are sensitive by virtue of their use during operating hours, deemed to be so by the authority, on a case-by-case basis and with particular reference to protective characteristics.
They will also take into account the characteristics of any adjoining areas, any existing licensing permissions held for the premises other than sexual entertainment as well as the proximity of other licensed premises in the surrounding area and the terms of those licences.
Any existing planning or regeneration policy, plan, or strategies relevant to the area will also be considered as well as a history of complaints relevant to the premises, and whether, as a direct consequence of the grant, renewal or variation of the licence, any other premises will be required to change their operating hours.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.