Bailey calls on residents to oppose application for a Lap Dancing club in Hammersmith |
| Published: Sep 19 2008 |
Shaun was shocked to learn that there has been an application from the owners of The Fox pub on the corner of North End Road and North End Crescent to turn the venue into a lap dancing club.
As the council licensing panel is a quasi-judicial body meaning that it has powers resembling those of a court or judge, the licensing panel has to consider all applications that are formally lodged in exactly the same way no matter how inappropriate they may seem.
On top of this, the law is inadequate in terms of preventing these establishments. The number of clubs in the UK has more than doubled to 300 since 2004. The Licensing Act is woefully inadequate as it classes them as a leisure industry rather than part of the commercial sex industry. If rejected at the licensing stage the applicant can appeal to the magistrate’s court. The Conservatives have pledged to give neighbourhoods the powers to block these establishments.
Studies in other London boroughs have shown instances of rape and indecent assault to be 3 times the national average in areas that have lap dancing establishments in them. In one borough alone reports of indecent assault rose by 57% on top of the 50% increase in rape cases.
Understandably, most people would agree that this is the wrong place for a lap-dancing club. Avonmore in Hammersmith is a residential area with no other late night clubs or bars. The Fox is next to a library used by children, close to 2 local schools, and there are 2 nurseries within 200 metres. Residents fear that it would bring crime and turn surrounding streets into no-go areas. An adult venue in this neighbourhood is just unacceptable.
Shaun understands that the local Conservative Councillors will do what they can and the more evidence and resident objections that come in against this application will show how inappropriate this proposal is. Let’s just hope it is enough to stop this club!
You can object to this application by writing to the Licensing Officer dealing with this application at H&F Council, by writing to:
Adrian Overton
Environmental Protection
Public Protection and Safety Division
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
5th floor, Town Hall Extension
King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9JU.
You can contact Mr Overton by telephone on 020 8753 3081, fax him at 20 8753 3922 or email him at: adrian.overton@lbhf.gov.uk.
The more objections the better.
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