Leamington
Lap-dancing club's new 'sex licence' bid

Pushing again for a new licence - Shades in Leamington Old Town. (s)

SHADES nightclub in Leamington Old Town is trying again to get permission for a 'sex establishment licence'.

Last June the former lap-dancing venue was refused permission for the licence by Warwick District Council - citing the possible negative effect it could have on the area.

Under the Policing and Crime Act 2009, which was adopted by the council a year later, all premises such as Shades were re-classed as 'sexual entertainment venues' and had to apply for the new licence.

Having failed it to secure it they are now only permitted to provide 'adult entertainment' 11 times a year and no more than once per month.

Under the act no business is allowed to re-apply for a licence within a year but a fortnight ago bosses of Shades did file a new application.

A council licensing spokesman explained: “They believe there to be a possible loophole in so far as an individual can re-apply, rather than the business, and the council will have to decide if that is permitted.

“At this stage any representations on the application can be sent to the council but a date has not yet been set for a hearing.”

The application is sure to attract further opposition, the like of which has dogged Shades ever since it opened in March 2008.

Leamington mayor Alan Wilkinson, also a town councillor, told The Observer: “I am disappointed another application has gone in.

“It would really bring the down the tone of an area we are trying to clear up.”

Roger Copping, a long-standing critic of the venue, said it had always been unpopular with many business owners and residents in the area.

Shades was approached for comment but has not responded.

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