Yesterday (22 October) Maidstone Council threw out an application for lap dancing to take place at a venue located seconds away from Maidstone town centre in Kent.
The Christian Legal Centre supported local residents who argued that such a venue was not suitable in an area being regenerated by the council where there are already schools, churches and shops nearby.
Objection
Maidstone Council received more than 100 letters of objection in advance of the hearing and the council heard from a member of the town’s street pastor scheme.
Michael Phillips, the solicitor representing many of the objectors, said that granting the application would be wholly inappropriate and would effectively be turning Bank Street, where the premises are located, into a sex street.
His arguments persuaded the council, who rejected the application on the basis that a licence for lap dancing would be inappropriate in that location.
Comment
Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre said:
"We are delighted with the Council’s decision which proves that it is possible for lap dancing licences to be challenged successfully, and that Councils recognise the harm and risks posed by permitting sex establishments to run in their city centres.
"We would encourage anyone who wishes to resist a sex licence application to contact us. The Christian Legal centre will support you, because we recognise the adverse effects of such establishments on communities. After yesterday’s outcome, we are confident that more victories can be achieved.”
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