Licensing changes are being implemented at various locations around the country which put into doubt the nation\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lap dancing and sex entertainment trade. With a consultation in progress in Tower Hamlets and three clubs being denied licences in Leicester just last month, Britain\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s strip clubs and sex shops seem more under threat than ever.<\/p>\n
What has long been classed as merely \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcentertainment\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 and not as part of the sex industry, has suffered a reclassification to \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcsex entertainment venues\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 back in 2009 which is now rearing its ugly head, to the acute disappointment of bankers and footballers across the country, commentators are suggesting.<\/p>\n
10 Local Councils have already opted for \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcnil\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 policies when assessing planning applications and will therefore see no more strip clubs starting in their areas, a stark contrast to the \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcboom\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 of the aptly named \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcnoughties\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 which has seen an average of one establishment open every week in some years.<\/p>\n
Proponents tout the policy as a way of ensuring greater safety for women and claim it is part of councils\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 local responsibilities, but much evidence exists that the wider population are set against the idea.<\/p>\n
In the example of Hackney, London, a public consultation turned up 66% of voters against the idea of banning such establishments \u00e2\u20ac\u201c anecdotal evidence points to a record high male turnout. \u00c2\u00a0Dancers and professionals protested outside the town hall, but, going against public will, the council has now banned future strip clubs, sex shops and adult cinemas regardless.<\/p>\n
Even this, however, does not spell the end for Hackney\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s purveyors of nude professionals. The council clarified that \u00e2\u20ac\u0153well-run, longstanding establishments\u00e2\u20ac\u009d would remain.<\/p>\n
With some 395 Local Authority districts yet to decide on a course of action, it remains to be seen whether politicians, so often prolific patrons of such establishments, will act to do away with Britain\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s seedy side.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"