Plans for a Cheltenham town centre strip club to operate during the 2026 Cheltenham race week and November meeting have been officially approved. European Events Consultants Limited, trading as Eroticats, successfully renewed its sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence for Under the Prom, located at 109-113 Promenade.
The Cheltenham Borough Council Licensing Committee discussed the application at their December 3 meeting. The renewal allows the venue to offer sexual entertainment from 8 pm to 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays during the November event, and Monday to Friday of the Cheltenham Festival week. Scheduled hours during the festival include 8 pm to 5 am on Monday and 6 pm to 5 am the following day on Tuesday through Friday.
The proposal faced public objections citing concerns over the risks to performers, the broader social impact of sexual entertainment venues, and the ongoing issue of male violence against women and girls nationally. An objector referenced the council’s 2020 community impact statement warning of inherent risks for those working in SEVs and cited Home Office research indicating many performers eventually transition to other sex industry roles. They expressed that female community members often feel objectified, intimidated, and unwelcome near such venues.
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Conversely, testimony from a performer and “house mother” at Eroticats highlighted a positive workplace environment emphasizing safety and support. She praised the security measures, including a free transport service home, and described Eroticats as a well-run, conscientious, and legally compliant business. She acknowledged objections often stem from moral viewpoints rather than operational facts.
Imogen Moss, representing applicant Steven Burrows, assured the council that Under the Prom has legally operated as an SEV since 2022 and is transparent, cooperative with authorities, and follows all regulations. Members of the council noted that issues related to sexual entertainment venues are part of wider societal challenges, which fall outside the scope of licensing decisions.
Councillors discussed the importance of regulation in the absence of national legislative changes. With no significant changes from previous applications and compliance maintained, the committee voted seven in favor, with one abstention, to grant the licence renewal.