People across the Highlands are called on to have their say on a new policy for the licensing of lapdancing clubs in the region
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MEMBERS of the public are to have the chance to have their say on a new policy for the licensing of lapdancing clubs in the region.
Highland Council’s licensing committee decided in October last year, after a wide scale evidence gathering process, to licence Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs).
That policy is set to come into effect in January next year and requires to be underpinned by an SEV policy.
The committee also previously agreed to have a draft policy prepared, to go out for public consultation while evidence hathering on the draft policy also continues.
A spokesperson said: “This draft policy identifies the committee’s potential approach to the regulation of SEVs and the processes to be followed relating to applications for licences of this kind.
“It is intended to provide guidance for applications and members of the public on the licensing of SEVs.”
A copy of the draft policy can be downloaded here with the draft standards of condition of licence, which can be found here.
All views on the drafts can be submitted by click here.
The closing date for response is Monday, March 28.
A previous consultation on the licensing plan received a mixed response.
Inverness Women’s Aid asked for a zero limit on SEV licences, as did Resist Porn Culture. Both groups said SEVs are discriminatory and lead to sexual exploitation.
United Voices of the World, which represents performers, said licensing helps to protect workers.
Councillor Liz MacDonald argued for a limit of one venue in the region, with Private Eyes in Inverness currently the only Highland venue of its kind.
Committee chairman Andrew Jarvie, however, said there should be no cap and members agreed.
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