New lap dance club in Benfleet is being licensed
A lap dance club has been given permission to open in Benfleet, despite dozens of residents trying to stop it. The first club in Castle Point local authority was granted an approved against 35 objections. The club is situated on an industrial park.
Addressing a council licensing sub-committee meeting, Benfleet resident Roger Bates expressed fears more lap dance club could appear.
He said: “The concern I have is one of precedent…If this application is granted, it is difficult to see what reasons there could be for turning one down in the future…This is a material change in the character of Benfleet and Castle Point.”
But lawyer David Dadds, representing applicant Glenn Smith, said: “This is a lawful use and there will be people within this community that will want to make use of it…If there’s not a demand, this type of business will not exist…It is in an industrial area and as such its operation cannot be seen to be in any way inappropriate…Most customers want to come discreetly, use the facilities and go.”
Chairman Peter Burch said: “We consider the arguments made by the objectors don’t contain sufficient reasons to reject the application, but we do understand the concerns raised…We believe the police and other relevant authorities have agreed stringent conditions with the applicant to properly regulate the premises.”
Edinburgh Festival events could be shut down due to blitz on sex shows
Crackdown on adult entertainment venues such as lap dancing bars could see Edinburgh Festival shows being shut down, MSPs have been told
The legislation has been prompted by a long-running campaign by Glasgow SNP MSP Sandra White, who claims lap dancing is degrading to women.
SNP ministers insist the plan is part of a package to improve public safety but yesterday MSPs heard sweeping powers could be given to councils which might endanger artistic expression.
Jon Morgan, Federation of Scottish Theatre director, warned they could unintentionally lead to restrictions on theatres, saying they could halt shows featuring burlesque artists or productions exploring themes of sex, prostitution or pornography.
He said theatre companies may opt not to avoid certain shows for fear they are in breach of the law or could be the target of frivolous complaints.
He called for a specific exemption to ensure legitimate shows, such as Edinburgh Fringe productions, are not subject to the restrictions.
Under the planned changes, the number of lap dancing bars in a city or town could be limited, with councils having powers to restrict new venues opening.
But Janet Hood, of Licensed Adult Entertainment Venues Scotland, called for more local flexibility and said: “I don’t think it should be the purpose of the Scottish Government to try to impose a draconian regime to be followed by elected members who are considering the requirements of what should happen in their communities.
“I would cite the fact that The Life Of Brian was banned in Glasgow for 20 years and Emmanuelle was barred in certain rural cinemas for years. They could be viewed everywhere else in Scotland.
‘Legendary’ burlesque dancers who enticed audiences with strip shows in the mid-1900s prove they can still strike a pose
Ex-burlesque dancers, some of whom are aged over 90 have proven that they can still draw attention and strike a pose. Some of the images captured by photographer Marie Baronnet reveal the temptresses dressed in seductive corsets, fishnet tights and glittering heels.
The pensioners, who were successful performers in their heyday, were photographed by Marie Baronnet for her book, Legends: The Living Art of Risqué.
Speaking to CNN, Ms Baronnet said that despite all being over the age of 65, the women are ‘very self-sufficient’, with a wealth of knowledge.
‘I really enjoyed being around those women,’ she told the news station. ‘I found that they had a real knowledge of life but also of this work.
Marie described the pensioners as charismatic, rhythmic and artistic – three things that she said are vital for burlesque dancing.
‘They have to have personality and rhythm, they have to know how to dance, and they have to be an artist because they have to do all those costumes and create a choreography,’ she said, explaining how stripteases empowered many women in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, often enabling them to travel abroad.
In an online description of her book, Ms Baronnet describes the women as ‘dominating characters of the quintessential art of strip tease’.
Plans for a new strip club at the heart Newcastle have been slammed
For Your Eyes Only Ltd has applied for sexual entertainment and premises licences for what is currently The Den nightclub, in the basement of Baron House, opposite Central Station.
Bosses hope the Purple Door club could be open by April and create 100 jobs and would contribute to the nighttime economy, but questions have been raised such a business amid the Neville and Grainger Street “gateway” to the city w
Plans for the new club show its main area would include two stages – one of which would be almost 50ft long – 15 private booths, six ‘VIP’ two-seat booths, 15 “floor” tables with seating for 64 customers, and 18 booth tables with seats.ould give visitors the wrong impression.
A mezzanine level would include a ‘VIP’ area with seven booth tables around an almost 5m long stage.
Author: Saxon
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