Women’s Organizations Voice Opposition to Strip Club Licence Approval

Women’s rights organizations in Cheltenham have voiced criticism regarding the approval of a licence for a sexual entertainment venue (SEV). Earlier in the current month, the Cheltenham Borough Council gave its approval for Eroticats strip club to commence operations at Jessop House on race days. According to GlosWomen, the council seemed “unwilling to engage” with issues concerning violence against women and girls, and how “men buying sexual entertainment is part of the continuum”. The council refutes these assertions, stating that legal provisions permit the operation of SEVs and that regulation is preferable. Red Apple Associates Ltd manages the venue, which is scheduled to open in conjunction with race days and the yearly Cheltenham Festival. A GlosWomen spokesperson expressed the belief that the licence “relaxes licence conditions related to these breaches and continues to allow the club to tout for business in town.” They further stated, “At the heart of this lack of engagement seems to be the depressing reality that the committee just don’t care about the lives of women and girls.” A portion of the apprehension stems from an alteration to the licensing agreement, which would permit physical contact between patrons and performers. A SafeCheltenham spokesperson voiced worries that pertinent parties lacked sufficient time to examine evidence, asserting that this “undermined the fairness of the hearing” and “gave the impression of bias.” They additionally stated that “Variations should only be granted in ‘exceptional circumstances’. To date we are not aware of any variation request that has been refused.“The granting of a variation allowing bodily contact between performers is extremely concerning given previous breaches.” David Willingham, the Licensing chairman for Cheltenham Borough Council, indicated that the applicant submitted their request in full compliance, leading to its acceptance by the committee, which “unanimously agreed there was no unfairness in the process”. Councillor Willingham affirmed that the committee was “fully aware” of the concerns presented, “particularly those in relation to relating women’s safety.” He further commented, “It is simply wrong to suggest these issues relating were not considered.” Mr. Willingham mentioned that enhanced security measures and training would be implemented to address safety concerns, and that the council holds the view that SEVs operate more safely when regulated.