Cheltenham Strip Club Granted License Amid Safety Concerns
A controversial decision to grant a strip club license in Cheltenham has sparked concerns from women’s rights and religious groups. Despite objections, the Cheltenham Borough Council has approved Red Apple Associates Ltd to renew the premises at Jessop House in Cambray Place.
The club is set to open during race days throughout the year and the annual Cheltenham Festival. Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) expressed worries about the safety of local women during race week, despite the club staff feeling secure.
Eroticats, which can accommodate up to 500 members per night, first opened during the Cheltenham Festival last year. The club’s presence has raised concerns, with 75% of women feeling unsafe in the town during race weeks according to research conducted by the Cheltenham Borough Council.
During a council meeting, a trustee of Cambray Baptist Church opposed the approval of a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) across from the church, stating that it creates an inappropriate environment for families in the area.
A senior staff member from Eroticats emphasized feeling unsafe as a woman in Cheltenham in general, but reiterated her belief in the safety and fairness of the club. The applicant’s legal representative highlighted the need for a balance in the community, recognizing that people have different preferences for how they spend their time.
Despite the objections, the council’s licensing sub-committee unanimously voted to grant the SEV license, allowing the strip club to continue its operations in the area.
The approval of the strip club license has stirred up mixed reactions in the community, with ongoing discussions about safety, morality, and the impact on the local area. It remains to be seen how the presence of Eroticats will affect the dynamics of Cheltenham, especially during major events like the Cheltenham Festival.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders from various groups continue to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the operation of the strip club in a prominent location in Cheltenham. The decision to grant the license highlights the complexities of balancing different interests within a community and raises important questions about safety, morality, and the cultural landscape of the area.