Consultation

 

A public consultation has been launched in relation to the regulation of sexual entertainment venues, such as lap-dancing clubs, within Cheshire East.

People will be able to have their say on whether the Council should adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which was amended by Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009.

If adopted, the legislation will mean that the Council has the ability to impose conditions on licences: these could relate to matters such as the hours of opening, the conduct on the premises and the responsibility of the licence holders.

It would also give powers to refuse an application if the Council determines that there are already an appropriate number of similar establishments in the locality.

The Council is currently aware of two venues that would be affected under the new legislation, one in Wilmslow and one in Crewe.

People will also be asked to comment on a draft policy on the licensing of sexual entertainment venues. This would give guidance to people making applications and would set out the Council’s approach to licensing decisions.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “I hope that people will take a look at the legal documents and the draft policy and give us their feedback.

“Consultations such as this are an opportunity for people to have a say on decisions that affect their community.”

The key documents can be viewed on line at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk