Solihull's Honey Club Awaits Crucial Licence Decision
A prominent lap dancing establishment in Solihull town centre is poised to discover whether it can continue operating when council licensing officials meet next week. The Honey Club, located on Solihull High Street, will learn its fate when Solihull Council's licensing committee convenes for its latest session on Thursday, November 27.
Application Details and Management Approach
The club submitted its application for a sexual entertainment venue licence in September, and in a significant development for their bid, it has been confirmed that no objections were received during the consultation period. This includes no objections from West Midlands Police, often a key consultee in such matters.
According to documents filed with the local authority, the business describes itself as a "family concern with a hands-on management style." The application emphasises the experience of its leadership, stating that both the director and manager have extensive experience running similar premises.
Comprehensive security measures form a central part of the club's operational plan. The application highlights that multiple security staff are deployed both at the entrance and inside the venue. Furthermore, all appropriate areas are monitored by CCTV cameras, and panic buttons are installed in every private dance facility.
Operational Policies and Historical Context
The welfare of performers is addressed directly in the submission, which notes that dancers have a "private and secure changing area" and that management takes responsibility for their general welfare.
Regarding customer access, the club's normal policy is to restrict entry to those aged 21 and over, though it acknowledges that those aged 18 and over are "occasionally" permitted. The applicant also stressed that "it is not possible for members of the public to see inside the premises from street level," addressing potential concerns about public exposure.
The club is proposing to maintain its current opening hours from 10am to 6am daily, closing only on Christmas Day. The venue originally opened in 2009 following a £100,000 refurbishment of the former Opal Lounge, transforming it into a private members' venue. Since then, it has become an established fixture on the High Street and has joined Solihull's Business Improvement District (BID).
Recommendation and Expected Outcome
Council officers have prepared a report recommending approval, noting that "as no objections were received, and due to the management controls in place that have been offered by the applicant, granting the licence does not appear to pose any specific risks."
This positive recommendation, combined with the absence of objections, suggests a favourable outcome for The Honey Club when the licensing committee makes its final determination later this month. The decision will determine whether this long-standing Solihull venue can continue its operations for the foreseeable future.
