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Party time over for lap-dancing clubs
THE credit crunch is squeezing Blackpool's lap-dancing clubs out of business.
A meeting of the council's licensing committee was told that out of up to 12 premises licensed for such entertainment, only four or five were now operating.
Licensing enforcement officer Mark Marshall said a number of clubs had closed including Aphrodites on Topping Street and Wildcats on Clifton Street.
Others had also indicated that they are on the brink of closing.
Mr Marshall said: "There have been a number of premises close due to the economic climate. In total there are probably about four or five lap-dancing premises."
Council leader Coun Peter Callow claimed the reduction as a victory for the town's clean-up campaign aimed at making Blackpool a more family friendly resort.
He said: "If we are being successful in halting the spread of lap dancing clubs then I am delighted. These are seedy establishments and we don't want them in Blackpool.
"We want quality in everything we do. If some of these seedy establishments go, then so much the better for visitors and the residents."
Licensing chairman Coun Henry Mitchell said he believed the council's strict regime had played a part.
He said: "The fact is they are shutting down, and hopefully they won't open again. It doesn't do the image of the town any good. Anything that is going to give the town a cleaner image is welcome.
"If it means treading on these people heavily, then so be it."
Back in January, the council's licensing committee voted in favour of tough new restrictions on the number of adult entertainment venues allowed to open in the town centre and the Promenade.
It means in future, new lap-dancing clubs will be banned unless they can prove they will not harm the family-orientated tourist trade.
The change, incorporated in the council's licensing policy which is updated every three years, is designed to protect children from harm.
Other North West local authorities – including Wigan Council – have followed suit by calling for their own new regulatory powers.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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