Strip club to open during race week in 2022

A CHELTENHAM strip club has been given the go-ahead to open during race week next year despite concerns it could lead to an increase in sexual violence against women.

Red Apple Associates Ltd applied to Cheltenham Borough Council for the premises licence for the 2 Pigs venue in Church Street. The renewal application will re-license the alternative club as a sexual entertainment venue during the Cheltenham Festival week in 2022.

The dates and times it will be allowed to open is from 6pm to 5am from March 15 to March 18, and from 8pm until 5am on March 14 and March 19. However, the plans were met with opposition from some local residents and church leaders.

Several people told the licensing committee on Wednesday night that the proposals will lead to sexual attacks on women.

Maggie Stewart, chief executive of Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, cited a recent survey which showed most women feel unsafe at night in Cheltenham and this gets worse during race week.

She said the centre has objected over the venue in the past but, despite talking about specific cases, the licence was approved.

“We have had clients who’ve worked in this particular venue and clients in general who have told us they have been assaulted during race week,” she said.

The applicant’s solicitor told the committee that his client has held a licence since 2017 with an impeccable record. He also said Gloucestershire Constabulary did not object to the plans.

The licensing committee unanimously approved the licence.