Strip Club License Approved Despite Community Opposition

Cheltenham Borough Council has given its approval for a contentious strip club license, notwithstanding objections raised by women’s rights and religious organizations. The council has authorized Red Apple Associates Ltd to renew the operating permit for the establishment located at Jessop House in Cambray Place. The establishment is slated to operate concurrently with race days occurring throughout the year and specifically during the yearly Cheltenham Festival. The Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) stated that while employees at the venue might perceive themselves as secure, local women “don’t feel safe enough to conduct their day-to-day life during race week.” According to a report by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Eroticats accommodates as many as 500 members nightly and initially commenced operations during the Cheltenham Festival last year. During the council’s licensing sub-committee meeting held on 6 November, GRASAC drew attention to findings from research conducted by Cheltenham Borough Council, which indicated that 75% of women “feel unsafe in and around the town during race weeks.” A trustee representing Cambray Baptist Church, situated directly across from Eroticats, voiced opposition to the council’s choice to sanction an SEV in proximity to a religious institution. The trustee stated, “Once again we find ourselves seeking to run activities for children, youth and families when opposite us we have an activity which is wholly inappropriate for these events and makes the area appear to be a no-go area for families in the evening.” A senior staff member from Eroticats informed the committee that she personally experiences a sense of insecurity as a woman in Cheltenham overall, but clarified that this concern was separate from the establishment itself, where she had been employed as a dancer for 13 years prior to transitioning into a role overseeing other dancers. She affirmed, “If I did not wholeheartedly believe this business to be safe and fair I would not be here today.” The legal representative for applicant Steve Burrows conveyed to the committee, stating, “We recognise in Cheltenham that there is a balance and that some people may want to go into their churches and pray.” He further added, “And other people may want to go into their venues and close their doors and dance and entertain themselves and that is perfectly legitimate.” The committee’s vote to approve the SEV license was unanimous. Instructions are provided to follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent via email or WhatsApp to 0800 313 4630. The content is subject to copyright by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.