MP calls for lap-dance licensing reform

A Labour MP has called for local authorities to be given powers to turn down applications for lap-dancing clubs.

Introducing a 10 minute rule bill on Wednesday, Roberta Blackman-Woods called for licensing laws regarding sex establishments to be extended. 

She told MPs that she had cross-party support for her Bill, with members from all sides of the House sharing her "contention that at present the law is simply inadequate to deal with lap-dancing club issues".

"Too many lap-dancing clubs are gaining licenses when local residents, the police and others deem them to be totally inappropriate," she said.

"This Bill does not seek to ban lap-dancing clubs. It merely seeks to strengthen and add to the criteria that can be taken into consideration in deciding when to license a lap-dancing club in a particular location.

"It therefore seeks to strengthen the role that local communities can play in deciding whether a lap-dancing club is appropriate for their area."

The City of Durham MP said the clubs, which are currently licensed the same way as a pub or karaoke night, should be put on the same footing as sex shops and cinemas.

Women's rights campaign group the Fawcett Society welcomed the Bill, with director Katherine Rake saying: "Current licensing of lap-dance clubs is woefully inadequate.

"Lap-dance clubs are counter to efforts to promote gender equality - they make it normal to treat women as sex objects and are degrading to all women."