Strip clubs Council opens consultation on future in city
THE public consultation that will determine the future of Bristol’s strip clubs has finally opened. At present, there are two sexual entertainment venues (SEVs), both in the city centre, that would face closure if Bristol City Council’s licensing committee goes ahead with a proposal to withdraw licences for the SEVs.
So far, no decision has been made on the new draft policy on SEV’s, which was due to go to public consultation this summer.
The council has now announced that the consultation has opened, with residents able to share their views up until December 19.
In a statement, the council said: “People in Bristol are being asked for their views on the licensing of sex establishments in the city.
“A formal consultation has launched today (September 27) to seek views on a revised draft policy. It includes sex shops, sex cinemas and sexual entertainment venues.
“The new draft policy proposes not allowing any Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) within three defined areas of the city. These areas – the City Centre, Old Market and Bishopston/ Ashley/Redland/Cotham – were identified and set out when the original policy was adopted.”
If the new policy is adopted by the council, both of the existing venues – sister venues Urban Tiger and Central Chambers – would be forced to close or change their business.
The city council’s existing SEV policy dates back to 2011, although it is not legally required to have one, and allows a maximum of two venues in the city centre, one in Old Market/ West Street and none elsewhere.
The Licensing Committee, which has a cross-party membership, will make a decision on the final policy.
Councillor Marley Bennett, chair of the licensing committee, said: “We are reviewing our current policy and want to hear from members of the public about sexual entertainment venues and what they feel is appropriate for the city.
“At this stage no decisions have been made. The committee will use the information provided through this consultation to help inform a policy, so if you would like to make your views heard, then please do take part.”
Back in 2019, surveys showed most Bristolians are happy with lap-dancing clubs as long as they are away from certain areas, including schools, housing estates, parks, women’s refuges and places of worship.
But strip clubs are opposed by prominent figures including Bristol mayor Marvin Rees and Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire.
The proposals have led to Bristol becoming the epicentre of a raging debate around sex work and more broadly women’s rights – which culminated in a stripper calling the chair of the Bristol Women’s Commission a “misogynist” over the summer, accusing her of only protecting women they deem morally acceptable.
At the time, the Bristol Women’s Commission (BWC) said to claim it is misogynist contradicts everything they stand for as their aim is to identify and address gender inequality and the forces that fuel it.
Earlier this month, the two strip clubs won the right to operate for another year despite the proposed ban in Bristol and dozens of objections from women’s rights campaigners.
To read the draft policy and to take part visit www.bristol.gov.uk/sexestablishment