Cheltenham Borough Council has formally adopted a stricter policy governing strip club licences, following its approval during a full council meeting in June. The updated Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licensing policy reflects the council’s commitment to improving public safety, performer welfare, and regulatory transparency within the town’s evening and night-time economy.
The original SEV policy, established in 2020, has undergone comprehensive review and extensive public consultation to address concerns raised by local residents and stakeholders. Despite significant opposition to such venues in the historic spa town, council leaders acknowledged that a blanket ban would not be legally viable. National legislation permits venues to offer limited sexual entertainment occasionally without requiring local licensing oversight.
Consequently, the council opted for an enhanced regulatory framework focusing on equality considerations and the management of premises situated in or near sensitive locations. This approach enables the council to maintain rigorous operational standards and ensure that licensed venues are properly monitored.
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Among the policy’s key amendments, derived from multi-stage stakeholder engagement, are strengthened safety measures and clearer requirements aimed at safeguarding both staff and patrons.
Cllr Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for Safety & Communities, emphasised the balanced nature of the policy: “The framework balances lawful leisure operations with robust community protection. By maintaining structured regulations, we can continue to prioritise transparency, public safety, and rigorous enforcement across the borough.”
Additionally, Liberal Democrat councillor Victoria Atherstone expressed her support in June, describing the updated policy as “the strongest, safest policy we could put forward at this time.”
The council’s proactive stance ensures that Sexual Entertainment Venues in Cheltenham operate under clear and effective guidelines, contributing to the wider safety and wellbeing of the community.