Punters have jokingly thanked a critic who tried to get a lap dancing club closed down for publicising a place they 'didn't know existed'. Earlier this week Obsessions in Whitworth Street West had its sex establishment licence renewed by the council, despite an objection it made Manchester look 'seedy'.
A local resident objected to the application, claiming that the club's proximity to Deansgate train station brings the city into 'disrepute'. Representatives of the club dismissed the objection, arguing that it is based on 'moral grounds' which are not relevant to the local authority's decision.
After the Manchester Evening News reported on the objection, readers had their say. Kym said: "Nice little ad for the club most people didn't know existed," while George joked: "Didn't know about that one. One to visit, thanks."
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The un-named objector called for the club to move elsewhere. They said: "I live in Deansgate ward and have frequently thought that the presence of the strip club Obsessions, on the doorstep of one of our big intercity stations, brings the area into disrepute.
"Its exterior is poorly maintained, hinting at the seedy activity that occurs within. It seems very strange that visitors to our beautiful and culturally rich city centre, including international visitors and families with children, have to walk past the front door of such a repulsive establishment as they form their first impression of Manchester.
"I feel strongly that such a business should not be permitted such visibility, and that another location should be found for it. For these reasons, it is the duty of the council to take the opportunity of the licence expiring to rid Deansgate of this unsavoury enterprise."
Heath Thomas, representing Obsessions, said the club has been licensed since 2006. He said that the character of the area has not changed during that time and argued that the objection is on 'moral grounds' which is not a reason to refuse the licence.
Hundreds of readers have responded to the objection on the Manchester Evening News Facebook page, with many supporting the club's right to operate.
Teresa wrote: "It's been there for years and nobody has complained. I have to walk past it when the lift to Metrolink isn't working which is quite often. Nothing wrong with it."
Lorna posted: "I thought it was going to be a building with trashy posters and flashing lights outside from the complaint! Wouldn’t even cross my mind it was a lap dancing place and even so, who cares?"
Morganna : "I hope these prudes realise that when you move these regulated and secure establishments out of areas of commerce that they wind up reopening again illegally in suburban areas around families. Keep EVERYONE safe and leave these places alone.
"The exterior looks absolutely fine. Anyone would think the workers are dancing in the windows like it's Amsterdam!"
Peter wrote: "Skilled dancers earning good money and many more bar and security staff looking after them, and I'd say building looks pretty average for downtown Manchester. But if thine eye offends thee then pluck it out
And Rowan said: "It's a lap dancing club not the fiery gates of hell itself."
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