News / sexual entertainment venues
Bristol’s two strip clubs can stay open but future remains uncertain
Bristol’s two strip clubs have won the right to operate for another year despite a proposed ban and dozens of objections from women’s rights campaigners.
Central Chambers on St Stephen’s Street and Urban Tiger on Broad Quay had their annual applications for a sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence granted by councillors.
But public consultation is in the pipeline for Bristol City Council’s controversial draft licensing policy including a “nil cap” on lap-dancing clubs, which would prohibit such establishments anywhere in the city.
is needed now More than ever
Licensing sub-committee members were told 67 objections had been received to Central Chambers’ renewal application.
Bristol Women’s Commission chair, Penny Gane, told the City Hall hearing: “In the case of SEVs, including the one seeking the licence today, women’s bodies are objectified for the sexual gratification of men.
“Bristol City Council has a duty to uphold equality law, yet it is this committee of the council that has enabled harmful attitudes towards women.
“The Women’s Commission is asking you now to end the support of these practices.”
Gane said many women avoided the area near the two clubs because they felt unsafe.
Chloe, a dancer at Urban Tiger, has spoken out against the proposed ‘nil-cap’ which would cause her to lose her job – photo: Chloe
Barrister Philip Kolvin QC, representing Central Chambers, said: “The dancers are strong, independent women who are capable of making their own choices and are both protected and in control. They regard themselves as feminists.
“Feminism fails when it tells a woman what she can and cannot do with her body.”
He said there were no objections from any authorities, including the police, licensing and environmental health.
The following day, Urban Tiger also had its SEV license renewed, meaning that the city’s two strip clubs can operate for another year before having to reapply for their licence to hold topless and fully nude performances.
Sub-committee chair, Fi Hance, said the decisions had to be assessed against the existing council policy which allowed a maximum of two SEVs in the city centre, and that there was insufficient reason not to grant the licences.
Main photo: Central Chambers
Read more: Open letter demands council ‘honours workers’ rights’ by not banning strip clubs
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