Dancers to give views on SEV licences

STRIPPERS and other performers will be consulted by council chiefs in Cheltenham as they look to review their licensing policy for sex entertainment venues in the town.

Sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) which operate on race days have long been an issue of concern among women’s rights and religious groups in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Borough Council, as the licensing authority, has seen the regulation of such venues as preferable to the unregulated one-day pop-up strip clubs which are allowed to operate under current legislation.

The council’s sex establishment licensing policy is due to be reviewed this year.

And chairman Councillor

David Willingham (LD, St Peters) said it is important to consult all sides of the debate and the council would try to include performers who are less seen and heard from.

The review will look at their policies for both sex entertainment venues as well as sex shops.

“In terms of who we are talking to, there are a wide range of opinions and stakeholders who have very differing views,” he said.

“It’s important we try to consult all sides in that debate, including those who are maybe less seen and heard from.

“This would include performers and especially performers who do not fit the stereotype of who is a performer in an SEV.

“It’s important we look at this in a sensible fashion and actually try and hear from all sides and try and understand what the different issues are.”

He said the licensing committee’s role was one of ensuring public safety rather than public morality.