Chester strip club Platinum Lounge loses licence

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-33445168

Version 0 of 1.

Chester's only strip club has had its licence removed after prompting complaints from more than 100 people.

Chester and Cheshire West Council's planning committee said it was "no longer appropriate" for the Platinum Lounge to continue.

Opponents said it was not "in keeping with the historic nature" of the city centre.

But the club's management said an "extraordinary" campaign of "prudishness" had been waged.

A two-day hearing was held to decide whether to renew the club's licence, which was last renewed in 2014.

The Bridge Street venue had its licence revoked in 2013, but that decision was overturned by the High Court.

Campaigners pointed out there were 180 residential properties in the area, and said the club was too close to churches and the Dewa Roman Experience.

'Live pornography'

The council received 100 written objections and a petition opposing the renewal of the licence, and 24 letters and three petitions in support.

Among the objectors, the Wesley Methodist Church said lap dancing clubs "provide a venue for a morally objectionable trade, namely in a form of live pornography".

Councillors decided in favour of the objectors and ruled that it was "no longer" appropriate for the club to operate in its current location.

They noted the venue was close to "family friendly" premises, such as bars and restaurants, as well as residential accommodation.

They also noted that the presence of a strip club "does nothing to enhance Chester's family friendly tourist offering".

'Shackled by tutting'

However, barrister Gary Grant, representing club operator Bridgerow Ltd, said an "extraordinary" and "unprecedented" campaign had been waged against the venue.

He said the objections came from people who "would like to return Chester to a world where the pursuit of human fun was shackled by a tutting society".

The venue also argued it only opened at a time when children are not present in the city centre.

The decision will take effect from 24 July.