WORTHING'S self-appointed moral guardian Steve Stevens forced the council's licensing sub-committee to close its meeting to the public after shouting out from the public gallery this morning.

The 89-year-old war veteran submitted a 600 signature petition to the council against plans for erotic dancing at the Liquid Lounge in Chatsworth Road.

Click on the green play button to see video of campaigners protesting outside Worthing Town Hall and an interview with Mr Stevens after he was escorted from the meeting by two security guards.

The prospect of fully-nude men and women had helped fuel protests, but yesterday (Wednesday, March 26) the club's general manager James Lanz told the Herald: "One of the conditions we have agreed does state that genitalia will be covered at all times."

Conditions

Sussex Police withdrew its representation to the committee after the club agreed to several conditions.

• No audience participation, and no physical contact between customers and the dancer during or after the performance.

• No person under 18 be allowed on the premises while striptease/lap dancing is taking place, and clear warning notices be displayed at entrances.

• All dancers/performers must be aged at least 18 and legally entitled to work at the club.

• That performances of pole dancing/lap dancing end by 3.30am.

Those against

Objections to the application included a letter from Mark Weeden, pastor at The Worthing Tabernacle, in Chapel Road, who spoke at the meeting.

His written objection stated: "Married men stirred up in this way are more likely to batter their wives, push them to 'perform' as the strippers did, or to commit adultery.

"Allowing lap-dancing will mean an increase in prostitution, whether with the dancers themselves, or prostitutes in surrounding areas."

Mr Stevens started to call out his views after Mr Weeden spoke to the committee.

Click here to see the committee's decision.

What do you think?

Did Mr Stevens do the right thing?

Share your views, comment in the space below or email sarah.booker@worthingherald.co.uk.

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