Campaigners against Wilmslow's lap dancing club are redoubling their efforts as the deadline approaches for objections to the club's annual licence renewal.
ST Lounge on Grove Street, which Van Leisure Ltd has operated in Wilmslow since 2009, is forced to reapply for a licence on an annual basis following Cheshire East Council's adoption of Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 which came into effect from 4th April 2011.
A group of local residents, business people and community leaders formed an action group, called Make Wilmslow Matter, in 2012 after the ST Lounge's permission to operate was renewed.
The club was granted a new Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence by the General Licensing Sub-Committee in March 2012, despite objections from local residents, councillors and churches. However, the police had no objections to the licence being granted.
The campaigners argue that the club's location, in a pedestrian shopping area, is in a totally wrong place for the community.
Marion Amir-Hekmat, chairman of Make Wilmslow Matter, is leading a letter writing and petition signing campaign by local people opposed to the club's licence renewal.
She said "Our message is striking a chord with local councillors, people running businesses in town, leaders of local schools and many people who care about restoring the character of one of our busiest shopping streets. Now is the time for all these voices to be heard."
Former leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald said "I have full sympathy with the many objectors who strongly resent the presence of such an inappropriate trade on what is a main shopping street in Wilmslow.
"Notwithstanding the night time activities, during the day its frontage with shutters down and a carpet of fag ends etc. from the previous night's activities is a depressing sight for morning shoppers. The legality of this enterprise is not in question, merely its location. It is in the wrong place and is causing offence to many Wilmslow residents."
Martin Hoyle of The Wilmslow Trust commented: "Wilmslow is trying to build a commerce sector which relies on niche businesses to attract shoppers from a wide area. This sort of establishment doesn't form part of that sector and, indeed, could harm it."
In August 2012 Wilmslow Town Council voted in favour of Wilmslow being designated a 'zero' locality for sexual entertainment venues by the licensing authority, Cheshire East Council. Make Wilmslow Matter argue that this would be the best way to restore the town's image.
ST Lounge Gentlemens Club and Champagne Bar has applied for the renewal of its Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence to use 16 Grove Street for the following forms of 'relevant entertainment' : lap dancing, table dancing, strip shows and full nudity.
Any objections to this application should be made not later than 28 days after Monday 21st January 2013 being the date of the application. Objections must be made in writing, stating in general terms the grounds of objection, to: The Licensing Section, Cheshire East Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Place, Macclesfield SK10 1DX.
For more information on Make Wilmslow Matter email [email protected] or call 01625 415281.
What do you think about ST Lounge being located on Grove Street? Do you think their licence should be renewed?
Updated: 12:00 Friday, 8th February
Cheshire East Council has today issued the following statement in response to Wilmslow Town Council's request that Wilmslow be designated a'zero' locality for sexual entertainment venues.
Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said: “Our licensing system operates within the statutory framework set by central Government.
“Cheshire East’s licensing committee is required to consider each licensing case on its individual merits. If the Borough Council were to ‘prejudge’ matters or implement an inflexible nil policy, this would leave the authority’s decisions vulnerable to legal challenge.
“The requirement to implement licensing policy flexibly is laid down clearly by case law and the findings of judicial review.”
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Comments
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It doesn't float my boat but I feel it is being unfairly targeted.
Get real Wilmslow, we have bigger fish to fry.
The plans for the sports bar to be located where La Tasca used to be, is also a concern.
Can't wait to see the "rants" for that one!!
And yes, all the other closed premises should be leased first before kicking up a fuss about one that already has a tenant!
The Club during the day is inconspicious and I haven't heard of any issues about behaviour outside it. What really would make CE and the Town Council wake up to peril of Grove Street is if one of the larger stores suddenly be a £ Shop..........I can just imagine that prominent member of the Town Counsil having something to say if that happened.
Chris if your talking about £1 shop?! Well perhaps it should go where Argos left us. Lol. I know a lot of Mums would love it!!! Soooo many school projects!!!
Details can be found at
http://bit.ly/WSMBc8
And just to confirm "in writing" doesn't mean just by post. It also includes emails sent to .
I suspect most artistes are self-employed, with a pesonal choice of other regional venues.
It would be for other agencies to determine if performers were being co-erced and for Police to object to renewal of licence on grounds applicable to any other pub/club.
The ST Club operates beyond normal retail hours, along with most local pubs.
During antipated triple dip recession, if ST club was forced to close we could reasonably expect planning applications from £shop, poundstrechers. cash converters, jewellry exchanges or other pawnbrokers (Uncle). Only recently has number of charity shops reduced.
Where would this leave Wilmslow's image?