LICENSING OF LAP DANCING ESTABLISHMENTS

Early day motion 1375, tabled 22 April 2008 by Lynda Waltho (Labour). Signed by 119 members.

That this House supports extending across England and Wales powers currently only held by London local authorities to license sex encounter establishments; supports removing a provision from the Licensing Act 2003 which has the effect of exempting lap dancing clubs from this licensing category; notes that lap dancing clubs are part of the commercial sex industry yet are currently licensed in the same way as cafes and karaoke; further notes that amending legislation would give local authorities the same licensing powers for lap dancing clubs as apply to sex shops and sex cinemas; and believes that this would be a crucial step in giving local people a better say in licensing policy.

Signatures by party: Labour 82, Liberal Democrat 29, Conservative 6, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1.