Leamington club in third sex licence push

Shades. (s)

SHADES nightclub in Leamington is yet again applying to become a 'sexual entertainment venue' despite already being refused twice in the last year.

The High Street club's first push for the licence was rejected by Warwick District Council last summer due to the negative effect Warwick District Council felt it would have on the area.

But owners are now allowed to apply again as 12 months has elapsed, hence the new bid going before the council's regulatory committee at Leamington Town Hall on Monday morning (August 13).

A separate application for the license, made by a different named person, was made in March but also refused.

Among a string of complaints from local residents over the application, one wrote the repeated attempts were 'making a mockery of the system.'

Another said: "No doubt if this licence is refused we can look forward to this time wasting charade again in a few months. There have been two prior refusals and no facts of the case have changed."

Other expressed outrage and horror at the plan, saying there was clearly huge local opposition and fears it could give the area an unwanted reputation for sleaze.

Petitions submitted as part of objections called for 'nil cap' policy on sexual entertainment venues across the district, together with a 'Say No to Strip Clubs in Warwick and District' campaign.

But not all are against the idea.

One punter criticised making the previous refusals as the council making 'moral judgements rather than dealing in facts.'

He added: "It is a very vocal minority complaining, considering how many people live in the area. The council has clear policy on sexual diversity and refusal goes against that. Consenting adults should not be treated as second class citizens for enjoying such entertainment.

"I find it very offensive and am surprised in this day and age that people are allowed to make such bogus claims when there is no evidence to support it."

Under the Policing and Crime Act 2009 all premises such as Shades were re-classed as 'sexual entertainment venues' and had to apply for a new licence, failure to secure it meaning they can only provide 'adult entertainment' 11 times a year and no more than once per month.

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