Leamington strip club has licence renewed

A lap-dancing club on Leamington High Street has had its sexual entertainment licence renewed despite much controversy.

In spite of receiving over 300 letters of objection, as well as opposition from the Warwick Anti-Sexism Society (WASS) the council’s Regulatory Committee approved Shades’ application on Monday October 14.

According to the Policing and Crime Act of 2009, all “sexual entertainment venues” are required to obtain a licence.

The proximity of the club to Leamington’s student accommodation is a source of concern for many.

The WASS executive team claimed that “several students who live very close to Shades described being subject to suggestive and intimidating remarks from people hanging around outside… causing them to feel unsafe”.

In a letter of objection to the council, one resident added that they “do not want the sex trade woven into the fabric of the community”.

Another pointed out that the Shree Krishna Mandir could only be accessed by passing within a close distance of the club’s entrance – something the writer deemed “unacceptable” for a place of worship.

Green Party councillor Jonathan Chilvers told the Leamington Observer that he objected to the licence due to the “effect on the character of the area” .

The club’s director, Rob Ransford, denied this accusation, drawing attention to the fact that there have been no incidents at the club in the six years it has been open.

He also stated that few of the objections regarding the renewal of the licence were personal with many simply signatures on pre- written statements. He claimed that this made it “more like a petition than an objection”.

Alice Davey, a second-year Discrete Maths student and resident of Leamington argued that “… In practice, it won’t make that much difference to people’s day-to-day lives”.

In a letter of support for the club sent to the council, a resident alleged that “[Shades] offers a safe environment an adds diversity to Leamington’s night time entertainment”.

Speaking on behalf of the society though, the executive of WASS said they “take issue with the owners of such businesses who exploit and objectify women to make money.”

Achilleas Stamos, a first-year PPE student, added: “Just because [strip clubs] aren’t illegal doesn’t justify them as moral or ethical.”

The notes from the council meeting on Monday stated that “representations that are based solely on religious or moral grounds cannot be considered by the Committee”.

There is a clear division on campus between those who oppose the principle of the club, and those who remain open-minded.

A second-year student who wished to remain anonymous considered that by instructing women what is moral and immoral and to undermine personal choice “is to undermine the whole basis of feminism”.

Nana Poku, a first-year Law student, commented: “For some women, being a stripper isn’t about being objectified, but about being powerful.”

Mr Ransford assured the Boar that “the dancers are well taken care of”.

The provisions of the 2009 Policing and Crime Act stipulate that CCTV is to be in operation and panic buttons installed for the protection of the performers.

Solicitor Ian Besant, who represented Shades owners Robert and Lisa Ransford, put forward the argument that there had been no grievances or concerns with the club and that neither Warwickshire Police nor the environmental health officials had put forward opposition to the licence application.

Councillor George Illingworth (Conservative representative of Kenilworth Abbey) pointed out that the accusation that the club would have a negative impact on the area could not be backed up with hard evidence.

Aidan Riley, a second-year History student entertained the idea that “students do more damage to society than strip clubs. To be honest, I think it’s fine.”

Full details of the approval of the renewal of Shades’ licence can be found on the Warwick District Council website.