Update 

Update:Apologies for the late update I have been very unwell.

If you can attend please do.
Your support would be great fully received.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 1982, SCHEDULE 3
APPLICATION FOR A SEXUAL ENTERTAINMENT VENIf you can attend please do.

Your support would be great fully received.UE
NOTICE OF HEARING
Warrington Borough Council (“the Council”), being the Appropriate Authority, received an 
application dated the 6 February 2024 in respect of premises known as:
Sexual Entertainment Venue, 15-17 Friars Gate 
During the 28 day representation period, the Council received 23 representation(s).
The above representation(s) have not been withdrawn and therefore, in accordance with 
the provisions of the Council’s Policy a hearing must be held.
The Council now GIVES YOU NOTICE that the above representation(s) will be considered 
at a hearing to be held at:
Committee Room 1 
Town Hall
Sankey Street
Warrington
WA1 1UH
Tuesday 16th April at 5pm.

following which the Council will issue a written decision within 7 days of 
the hearing of the Application.

 

 

 

 

 

This petition is now closed.

Please sign and share urgently, if you don't want this in Warrington!

We are calling on Warrington Borough Council and

cexlicensing@warrington.gov.uk licensingcomplaints@warrington.gov.uk 

To refuse the application for a sexual entertainment license at 1st Floor 15-17 Friar’s Gate by Warrington Holdings Group Ltd. The application lacks detailed information about what form of entertainment would be provided if a license was granted, leaving residents in uncertainty and potential discomfort. This could include lap dancing, pole dancing, table dancing, strip shows, peep shows and live sex shows. These forms of entertainment can contribute to an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime rates in areas where they are present (source: UK Home Office). Furthermore, such venues can have detrimental effects on community cohesion and local property values (source: Journal of Urban Economics). We believe that our community deserves transparency about developments that could impact our safety and quality of life. Join us in urging the council to deny this license application for the sake of preserving our community's integrity. 

The objection grounds

The proposed location of the sexual entertainment venue is concerning due to its proximity to 16 churches. This raises significant concerns about the potential negative impact on the surrounding community and community values. Especially on our more impressionable younger generations.

A similar situation in another town, as detailed in an article where the council refused a license for a similar establishment despite having only one church nearby, underscores the validity of these concerns. See below.

Previously home to Mint nightclub, the site is 50m (165ft) from Hebron Evangelical Church, opposite an Ibis hotel and close to the Vue Cinema.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-47625496

Article about Blackpool Published in ladbible 19 May 2021 to close all lap dancing bars to become more family friendly 

https://www.ladbible.com/news/uk-blackpool-to-close-all-lap-dancing-bars-to-become-more-family-friendly-20210519

An article dated May 17, 2023 published in Warrington-Wordwide
see link below.

https://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/2023/05/17/warrington-again-ranked-as-one-of-best-places-in-the-uk-for-a-night-out/

The above article highlights the positive aspects of the community's nightlife scene, including its recognition as the third-best night out in Warrington for two consecutive years. This recognition is specifically attributed to the variety of food and drink options available after closing hours. While this indicates a vibrant social scene, it's important to note that the presence of a sexual entertainment venue could still pose significant challenges to public safety and well-being, as previously outlined.

Another article on 18th April 2022 published in the Manchester Evening News see below link.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/warrington-yes-warrington-named-third-23719879

Other articles 

Crime 2023 https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/23356516.dangerous-warrington-almost-crime-rise/

 

National Statictics Census 2021
Sexual offences prevalence and trends, England and Wales: year ending March 2020

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/sexualoffencesprevalenceandtrendsenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020

 

Demographic 
https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/20240255.ageing-population-warringtons-2021-census-results/

 

Facts and fingers of population in Warrington broken down

https://www.warrington.gov.uk/facts

 

Safety article 

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/20/undercover-police-bars-clubs-women-boris-johnson

 

Stripping the facade

https://cease.org.uk/facts/the-wider-sex-industry/stripping-the-facade-the-reality-of-lap-dancing/

 

Factsacts about strip clubs in uk and rest if england 

https://www.themix.org.uk/sex-and-relationships/having-sex/strip-clubs-3956.html

 

A lap dance is a type of sex work used 

https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lap_dance

 

I thought lap dancing was empowering but it wasn't. 

https://news.sky.com/story/i-thought-lap-dancing-was-empowering-but-it-wasnt-11469167

 

Gentleman Navigator Venues near.

https://www.gentsnav.com/en/gb/clubs/warrington-2634739/

 

Sex addiction article 

https://www.sauk.org/recovery-members-stories/

 

Number of sex offenders in Warrington 16 July 2023

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/number-sex-offenders-living-warrington-050000163.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACy94yGcAhzlzFkygNFUxw9LBBLXA-PQ8aUrcoifUphwAZQbNOXrSuRh3f5x2kfOBbH6QHgmGAXxH-WVteTsM4P0fQNHW3ZZP5UcDihqb90hs53gWkO15udEwTD0ff92Xr_6KD211y-Kj3DjaoWgNhiur8PCj3zHjPmK4dOiIfAK

 

ITV article Spiking in nightclubs 

https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-20/police-ordered-to-investigate-spiking-in-nightclubs-after-rise-in-reports

 

Negative effects of strip clubs

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/2158925.negative-effect-of-strip-clubs/

Here are some alternatives for the use of the space:

1. **Chillout Zones**: Create comfortable areas where patrons can relax and socialize in a laid-back atmosphere.

2. **Karaoke Nights**: Increase the promotion of karaoke nights to attract more patrons interested in singing and entertainment.

3. **Live Bands and Performances**: Host up-and-coming live bands and performances to provide diverse entertainment options for the community.

4. **Single Nights**: Organize events specifically tailored for singles to meet and mingle in a safe and enjoyable environment.

5. **Speed Dating Events**: Arrange speed dating events to facilitate connections between individuals looking for romantic relationships.

6. **Rent Out for Private Events**: Offer the space for private events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions, providing a versatile venue for celebrations.

By implementing these alternatives, the space can cater to a wide range of interests and preferences while contributing positively to the community.

Questions to the venue owners and councillors:

1. **Safer Streets Campaign Integration**: If granted the license, how do you plan to align the operation of the venue with the objectives of the Safer Streets campaign in the area? Specifically, what measures will be implemented to contribute to a safer environment for residents and visitors?

2. **Protection of Vulnerable Women**: Considering the potential risks associated with the operation of a sexual entertainment venue, what specific steps will be taken to protect vulnerable women in the community? This includes measures to prevent harassment, exploitation, and other forms of harm that may disproportionately affect women in such establishments.