Plans for a strip club in Cheltenham town centre to operate during the 2026 race week and November meet have been approved by Cheltenham Borough Council.
European Events Consultants Limited, trading as Eroticats, secured the renewal of its sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence for Under the Prom at 109-113 Promenade. The licensing committee approved the application at their December 3 meeting.
The renewed licence permits the club to provide sexual entertainment from 8 pm to 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays during the November meeting, as well as from Monday to Friday during the Cheltenham Festival Week annually. During festival week, opening hours will be 8 pm to 5 am on Monday, and 6 pm to 5 am the following day Tuesday through Friday.
READ MORE: Winning Lotto Numbers Tonight: Full National Lottery Results with Thunderball – Saturday, December 6, 2025
READ MORE: Woman Seriously Injured in Cheltenham Town Centre Crash
The decision followed consideration of public comments, including voices of concern. One objector highlighted the risks female performers face, citing council reports about the inherent dangers of working in SEVs and a national context of violence against women. They noted the financial exploitation within the industry, where performers pay fees and fines, with operators profiting the most. The objector underscored feelings of intimidation and exclusion reported by local women near licensed venues.
In response, a letter from an Eroticats performer and house mother was also read. She praised the venue’s commitment to performer and customer safety, describing a well-organized operation supported by a strong security team and transport provisions. The performer contested some objections as morally motivated rather than grounded in the venue’s actual practices.
Legal counsel for the applicant emphasized that Under the Prom has operated lawfully and transparently under the current licence since 2022. They highlighted the applicant’s experience running similar venues in Cheltenham, and cooperation with local authorities and police.
Councillors expressed varied views during debate. Councillor Tabi Joy framed concerns about SEVs as part of broader societal issues, supporting the council’s ability to license such venues. Councillor David Willingham noted there was no significant change from the previous year’s application, making refusal legally indefensible. Councillor Steve Harvey underlined the council’s responsible management and attempts to influence national law, which remains unchanged. He affirmed regulation as the best available approach.
The licensing committee voted 7 in favour with 1 abstention to grant the renewal, allowing Eroticats to continue operation during the town’s key race events in 2026.