Telford rules to change on lap dancing clubs

New legislation which will make it more difficult for lap dancing clubs to open in Telford looks set to be in place next year.

Telford & Wrekin Council's licensing committee agreed to adopt the guidelines at a meeting this week.

It means the new measures could be in force by January.

Lap dancing clubs did not need a licence under the old legislation - but the new laws will bring such establishments in line with sex shops, which need to pass stringent tests before being allowed to open.

Currently objections to lap dancing clubs can only be made on grounds of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance or to protect children from harm.

But the new laws in the borough mean it will give licensing chiefs the power to block applications on the grounds they are out of character with the area, are unsuitable or because there are already too many establishments.

While there are no lap dancing clubs in Telford and Wrekin, a report to the licensing committee recommended members adopt the new regulatory powers "as a preventative measure".