Progress in lap-dancing campaign

Progress in lap-dancing campaign

lap-dancing protest

On 18th June, I sponsored a Bill in the House of Commons to prevent lap-dancing clubs from gaining licences in the same way as cafes.

The Ten-Minute Rule Bill aims to close a legal loophole which allows lap dance clubs to operate with just a Premises Licence – a licence also used for cafes, restaurants and karaoke bars. The proposals will enable local councils to licence lap dance clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments; the same licensing powers as apply to sex shops, peep shows and sex cinemas.

The Bill was passed, unopposed, by the House of Commons. This follows on from the success of a campaign - in conjunction with local residents - which stopped a local hotel from introducing lap dancing in an area close to a school and church.

It coincided with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announcement that it was consulting with local authorities on proposals outlined in the Bill.

I am pleased that members of all parties supported this Bill as it passed, unopposed, through the House. It's important to note this is not a campaign to ban lap-dancing, but instead is a move to empower local communities to have more control over what happens in their area. Hopefully this will be a significant step in rectifying the situation which sees lap dancing clubs licensed in the same way as cafes.