A second Bristol lap-dancing club has had its sexual entertainment licence (SEV) renewed 24 hours after its sister venue, as both face an uncertain future.
Urban Tiger in Broad Quay had its application granted by councillors on Friday (September 17) following the same decision for Central Chambers, St Stephen’s Street, the day before.
It means the city’s two strip clubs can operate for another year before having to reapply for their licence to hold topless and fully nude performances, although public consultation is set to be held into a proposed ban.
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Bristol City Council’s draft licensing policy would introduce a “nil cap” on the venues, sparking a debate which has caused bitter divisions.
During Central Chambers’ licensing sub-committee hearing on Thursday, women’s rights campaigners urged the panel to refuse the application, with one of the 67 objectors saying: “The dehumanisation of women makes it easier for men to behave violently towards women.”
But the club’s barrister, Philip Kolvin QC, told members: “Feminism fails when it tells a woman what she can and cannot do with her body.”
Sub-committee chairwoman Cllr Fi Hance said the decision had to be assessed against the existing council policy which allowed a maximum of two SEVs in the city centre and that there was insufficient reason not to grant the licence.
There were no objections from the police or other authorities.
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