Is it time to ban strip clubs in Bristol?

They have been money-spinners in cities across the UK for generations, but many argue that strip clubs and erotic venues have had their day.

Now Bristol City Council is opening up the debate to the general public as it looks at whether or not to change the current licensing policy.

A consultation has been launched asking for people’s views on sex shops, strip clubs, erotic cinemas and ‘hostess bars’ – where customers are given a companion and “a performance, entertainment, service, exhibition or other experience of a sexual nature”.

The outcome could mean that strip clubs and the like are banned in the city, or numbers could increase.

Claire Hiscott, pictured with mayor Marvin Rees

Claire Hiscott, a Tory councillor for Horfield and chair of the council’s licensing committee, said: “We are seeking views from members of the public about sexual entertainment venues and what they feel is appropriate for the city.

“Our current policy dates back to 2012, so we felt it was time to take another look and see if it needs to be refreshed.

“We will use the information gathered from this survey to inform a draft policy, so if you would like to make your opinions heard, then please do take part in the consultation.”

The consultation asks how many sex shops and strip clubs would be acceptable in different parts of the city, such as residential, deprived, industrial and night-time economy areas.

It also seeks views on where Bristolians would not want to see sexual entertainment venues, for example near schools, parks, women’s refuge centres, places of worship or transport hubs.

Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire has been outspoken on the topic, calling for a ban of so-called ‘sexual entertainment’ venues in the city. She argues they are degrading to women and promote sexual exploitation that affects women outside as well as inside clubs.

But some have hit out at her attitude and say that forcing a change in legislation will only put women in the industry in more danger.

Tuesday Laveau, stripping while seven months pregnant, has spoken out in support of strip venues. Photo credit Kimmi Jayne Barry

There are currently no ‘hostess bars’ or sex cinemas operating legally in the city, but the consultation asks whether or not new venues would be supported.

Bristol City Council has been able to control and regulate sexual venues since 2012 and is now reviewing its policy. It is hoped any changes will come into force in spring 2019.

Licences for the venues are renewed annually, so if the decision is to follow the example of some other councils in the country and stop handing out licences, Bristol may no longer have erotic venues by 2020.

The issue came to the fore in February, when the owner of Central Chambers and Urban Tiger strip clubs applied to renew their sexual entertainment venue licences.

Despite calls from campaigners, both clubs were granted licences.

But a cross-party working group has now been set up to develop the new policy at the council.

Answers from the questionnaire will be used to create a draft policy on sexual entertainment venues and then the public will again be asked their thoughts later this year.

The first consultation began this week and will end on May 31. To take part visit www.bristol.citizenspace.com/neighbourhoods/sex-establishment-policy-review/

To get hold of a paper copy email sexestablishmentpolicy@bristol.gov.uk or phone on 0117 357 4900.

Main image: Robyn Rooke, who runs a pole dancing business.

Jack Pitts is the local democracy reporter for Bristol.

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