women in london

a directory of london based women's groups

and news of their work and activities

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Notices and Press Releases

Fawcett : Comments on DCMS letter about lapdance club licensing

Commenting on the letter written by Gerry Sutcliffe MP to local authorities Kat Banyard, Campaigns Officer at the Fawcett Society, said:

"We welcome Government action to address the woeful inadequacy of current lapdance club licensing. A legal loophole in the 2003 Licensing Act means lapdance clubs fall under the same licensing category as cafes and karaoke clubs. While the first UK lapdance club opened in 1995, such lax licensing has enabled the number of clubs to rise dramatically to at least 300.

"Yet lapdance clubs are part of the sex industry. They normalise the sexual objectification of women. Areas surrounding lapdance clubs can become 'no-go' areas for women. But current licensing rules mean local authorities cannot treat a lapdance club differently from a coffee shop.

"We urge the Government to untie the hands of local authorities by licensing lapdance clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments - as sex shops and sex cinemas are. This would give local authorities vital powers to regulate the clubs and enable local communities to have a greater say in decisions about lapdance clubs in their areas."