The Liquid Lounge has been granted a 12-month licence allowing male and female erotic dancing in its "Le Chic" bar at the Chatsworth Road nightspot.

The decision was made after a tempestuous meeting of the council's licensing sub-committee this morning (Thursday, March 27).

The hearing was interrupted after 20 minutes by moral campaigner Steve Stevens shouting from the public gallery, where around 25 people, many elderly and some with posters opposing the application, sat peacefully.

Chairman John Lovell unsuccessfully warned Mr Stevens to be quiet before closing the meeting to the public.

Click here to see video of Mr Stevens' comments.

Pastor's view

Speaking after the application had been approved, Mark Weeden, pastor of the Worthing Tabernacle, said Mr Stevens' outburst was "probably unhelpful" and should have been made outside of the council chamber.

He also apologised to the committee members when the hearing reconvened in private.

Mr Weeden had earlier told the committee of fears that erotic dancing would "fuel the passions" of drunk men and result in "bawdiness, loudness and lewdness."

He added: "Potential for vandalism, crime and sex-related crime will increase. This may spill on to the streets as well as in the premises."

He also referred to a survey of strippers in Glasgow who claimed to have been victims of sexual and physical assaults and raised fears about dancers from Eastern Europe being forced into the sex industry.

From the club

Barry Wells, co-owner of the Liquid Lounge, told the committee that the application would not result in a "gentlemen's club", but would feature men and women dancing.

He said it was never his intention for the dancers to be fully nude and that he had fully agreed with all the police's recommendations, which included requirements for no audience participation or contact and restricted dance areas.

Mr Wells said his club had a good reputation and a strong relationship
with police.

He added that his door supervisors were very experienced and known for their strictness.

During questioning from members, Mr Wells offered to change his application to restrict access to Le Chic to over-21s only, and agreed all dancers should be over-21.

Legal advice

After an hour's deliberation by the committee, legal officer Julie Watson announced the amended application was granted for a 12-month period.

She said fears about crime and disorder were alleviated by the amendments and both the police and licensing officers agreed the premises were well-run.

She added that licensing and police officers would check the legal status of the dancers at the club throughout the year and said Mr Weeden, as a valid interested party, had 21 days in which he could lodge an appeal.

Mr Weeden said afterwards it was "likely" other applications would follow, and added: "I'm obviously disappointed it's gone against us.

"I don't know at this stage if we will appeal.

"They're trying to promote this as a pleasant, family-orientated town. This goes against that stance."

What do you think?

Do you agree with the council's decision or do you support the protesters?

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