Consultation opens on sexual entertainment venues

City of York Council is seeking the views of local residents and businesses on sexual entertainment venues as part of work to draft a new policy.

More commonly known as lap or pole dancing or gentlemens’ clubs, these venues are regulated by the council using Government legislation introduced in 2009.

The council’s Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee has asked for the policy to be refreshed and work is underway identifying national best practice, and inviting input from residents, businesses and licensees through the consultation.

red bikini

Conservative Councillor David Carr, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “Involving all interested parties in this consultation is key to shaping an appropriate and workable policy. This matter impacts on many aspects of our city and we welcome comment on it.”

One of York’s high profile lap dancing clubs is run by a prominent Tory candidate.

The consultation’s closing date is 5 August and it is at: www.york.gov.uk/consultations or www.york.gov.uk/licensing

Lap Dancing club to open opposite York Council HQ?

Tokyo night club

Tokyo York has made an application for the grant of a Sex Establishment Licence.

They are seeking opening hours of Monday to Sunday 21:00hrs to 03:30hrs, and 18:00hrs to 04:30hrs on York Race Days only.  

The application will apply to the first floor only at the premises which are located at 3-4 Toft Green.

The license application will be considered by the Council on 21st July.

There have been 11 objections to the proposal. Most relate to noise issues although several are from neighbours and hotels who point to a degradation of the area for visiting families.

The Council can either approve, amend (e.g. opening hours) or reject the application. If the application is not approved there is a right of appeal to the Magistrates Court.

The venue is opposite the new Council HQ and any Councillor who is an existing, or potential, patron or employee of the establishment would have to declare an interest before the licensing meeting started.

It is unclear whether the Council plans to video broadcast the meeting which starts at 4:00pm..