Solihull's only remaining lap-dancing club has been granted permission to stay open for another year, following a contentious decision by local licensing authorities. The ruling comes despite significant opposition from residents and campaigners who argued the venue is unsuitable for a modern town centre.
Council Committee Approves Licence Renewal
Solihull Council's licensing committee has officially renewed the Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence for Honey's on High Street. The decision permits the business to continue its operations for a further twelve months. This outcome was reached after the committee weighed formal objections from the community against the club's long history of operation and adherence to local regulations.
Dozens of local residents and campaign groups submitted strong objections to the renewal. Their primary argument centred on the belief that a lap-dancing establishment conflicts with Solihull's family-friendly image. Critics also expressed concerns that the venue's presence could foster an environment where women feel less safe.
Objections Overruled Based on Evidence and Locality
Representing the club, legal counsel countered that the business has operated for well over a decade without any recorded police incidents or breaches of its licensing conditions. They stressed that the venue is discreet, employs rigorous security protocols, and maintains a safe, regulated workplace for its employees.
The licensing councillors concluded there were no valid grounds to refuse the application based on the 'character' of the locality, which they noted had not changed significantly. They found the club to be well-run and stated that objectors had provided no substantive evidence linking the business to increased crime or public disorder.
Proximity Concerns and Strict Conditions Applied
A specific area of debate focused on the club's location near a church and residential properties. Objectors highlighted this proximity as a major point of contention. However, the committee determined that the venue's entrance was sufficiently inconspicuous and did not adversely affect the everyday use of neighbouring facilities.
The licence renewal is not unconditional. The council has imposed strict conditions, including controls on external advertising and a requirement that no performances be visible from the street, to uphold public decency standards. This case underscores the ongoing tension between established licensing frameworks, which the club successfully met, and shifting public attitudes regarding the objectification of women within the entertainment industry.
