Erotic Dancers Seek Inclusion in Lap Dancing License Discussions

Performers of erotic dance are calling on local council leaders to involve them in conversations regarding lap dancing permits. This appeal coincides with Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) initiating a consultation process concerning Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) permissions, and having formally requested guidance from the government regarding the forthcoming regulatory framework. Sophie, a pseudonym, who performed in the town during the previous year’s Cheltenham Festival, stated that dancers are not typically consulted for their opinions on licensing terms, a situation she described as making them feel “vulnerable”. CBC indicated that it had engaged with performers, and some had been afforded the chance to present their perspectives during council meetings. Cheltenham Borough Council has issued 17 SEV licences, valid until May, for dates that correspond with racecourse events, such as the yearly Cheltenham Festival in March. While certain women’s rights organizations and religious communities object to the issuance of these licences, Sophie asserted that erotic dancers desire the opportunity to articulate their own positions on the matter. “We’re never consulted on any of the processes, we weren’t consulted on the licences when they were written, [and] we’re not consulted on whether we want our work places to stay open,” she further stated. “We’re always treated as victims who are unable to speak for ourselves or make decisions for ourselves. And by doing that they relegate us to the sidelines of these decisions that impact us above anyone else.” Sophie highlighted that the licences provide protection for performers by enabling groups to operate from a single location and benefit from security measures and CCTV surveillance. CBC affirmed that the choice to issue SEV licences is a “legal” rather than a “moral” determination, and that regulation enhances safety for both performers and the public. Dr David Willingham, Chairman of the council’s licencing committee, commented: “If we banned everything we thought was immoral there wouldn’t be any horse racing, there wouldn’t be any gambling, there’d be no drinking and there wouldn’t be any SEVs. It’s public safety we’re worried about in licencing, not morality.” In response to an inquiry concerning the lack of consultation with performers, he noted that the council had engaged in discussions with them during race week, further stating: “We’ve also reached out to talk to performer groups who are even less represented in this process, such as the Dream Boys.” The council announced that it is presently consulting with relevant parties regarding the terms of its SEV licences and anticipates extending this to public consultation in 2025. In correspondence addressed to the government, Dr Willingham has inquired whether the Home Office intends to address a regulatory loophole that permits promoters to organize as many as 11 events annually without requiring an SEV licence, provided each event is under 24 hours in duration and separated by four-week intervals. The government has not yet provided a response. Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, advocates for a complete prohibition of SEV licences within the county, citing his apprehension that these events are connected to a rise in misogynistic conduct. He further stated: “A lot of women just don’t like coming in to Cheltenham during the race week because there’s so many male tourists who’ve had too much to drink and the sexual entertainment venues contribute to that sense of entitlement some men may have over women. I think we need to get to the core of the matter and change the law, and in the 21st Century, in Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, I don’t think we should have sexual entertainment venues.” Readers can follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent via email or WhatsApp to 0800 313 4630. The copyright for this content belongs to BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material on external websites. Details concerning its method for external linking are available.