The growth trajectory of lap dancing establishments was undeniably linked to evolving societal attitudes towards sex, alongside the increased accessibility of pornography. However, legislative actions have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of this industry.
Initially, a significant turning point arrived in 2003 when licensing regulations in England and Wales categorized lap dancing clubs similarly to cafes and bars. This reclassification meant that the grounds for preventing the opening of such venues were limited to concerns of criminality, public nuisance, or endangerment. Consequently, with local council licensing committees often finding themselves with restricted power to reject applications, a notable increase in the number of lap dancing clubs ensued across the regions.
However, this upward trend faced a significant check in 2009. A legislative amendment reclassified venues offering lap dancing, pole dancing, or striptease as “sex encounter venues.” Furthermore, a mandate was introduced requiring all existing lap dancing clubs to reapply for licenses to continue their operations after April 2012. This legal shift marked a considerable tightening of regulations on the industry.
Now, mirroring the earlier recognition by chains like Spearmint Rhino of the profit potential in promoting lap dancing, local politicians are increasingly perceiving political advantages in restricting it. A growing number of local authorities, currently ten, have adopted “nil” policies, effectively prohibiting the approval of any new licenses for such establishments. Tower Hamlets, with eleven existing venues, aims to become the first London council to implement a complete ban on the practice.
Recent months have witnessed concrete actions reflecting this shift. In Leicester, three existing lap dancing clubs have faced license refusals, and Oxford’s sole lap dancing venue has also had its operating application rejected by the local council. Political leaders in these localities assert that these decisions are in direct response to the desires and values of the communities they represent.
Conversely, the lap dancing industry holds a contrasting perspective on these developments. Peter Stringfellow, owner of two prominent “gentleman’s clubs” in London, attributes the tightening regulations to the influence of a vocal minority of “moralists” and “extreme feminists.” He further suggests that “provincial councillors” often exhibit a “closed-minded” attitude towards businesses associated with the sex industry.
