Nightclub applies for lap dancing licence in former church building

Thu 26 Nov 2009

Cheshire East Council is to consider a licence application from a couple who want to open a lap dancing club in a former church mission in Macclesfield.

The building served as both a Quaker meeting house and Macclesfield Town Mission before being transformed into an entertainment venue.

It is currently home to Repent nightclub, but owners Roy and Laura Hatton-Garside have submitted an application to change the venue into a members club, reports the Macclesfield Express.

The couple hope to receive permission to stage lap dancing in part of the new club, but said that music would remain integral to the entertainment in the rest of the venue.

Several local councillors have expressed concerns about whether a former church building is a suitable venue for a lap dancing club and whether such entertainment would fit in with Macclesfield's culture.

However, a police spokesman said he has no concerns about the possible opening of a lap dancing club because such venues rarely attract trouble.

Any objections to this application must be lodged with the Council by 9 December 2009. If objections are made, a public hearing is likely.

We have briefed you elsewhere (see Legal Briefings) on the changes expected to the laws relating to lap dancing.