Wrexham Lap Dancing Venue Proposals Rejected (For Now)

Proposals to open a lap dancing bar in Wrexham town centre have for now been rejected – however applicants will be allowed to argue their case at a later date.

Back in June it was announced that an application for a Sex Establishment Licence had been submitted to Wrexham Council by Maxi Promotions Ltd, who were looking to operate a lap dancing and pole dancing venue in the Midnight Lounge in Abbott Street.

The Midnight Lounge, which is located above Penny Black would operate Monday to Sunday between 9pm and 4am.

Despite reports in the local press of outrage and people being ‘up in arms’ about the proposed lap dancing bar in Wrexham, today’s Environmental Licensing Committee was relatively straightforward and lasted no longer than half an hour.

A number of objections had been submitted to Wrexham Council opposing the granting of the license, with one email sent to Wrexham Council calling the application as a ‘disgrace to Wrexham’ – adding that the town’s outside view is already rapidly falling.

Notices of objection were also submitted by the local community councillor, six church organisations and eight individuals. Four petitions against the application were also submitted.

However speaking at this afternoon’s Licensing Committee, Chairman Cllr David Griffiths said the application cannot be rejected on morality grounds.

At present Wrexham has two sex establishments, with councillors told that they today had the opportunity to decide if they wanted to extend the provision to allow for a third to operate in the town.

However there were concerns that granting permission for a third sex establishment would set a precedent for any future applications that came before the committee.

Cllr Mike Morris said: “I don’t see anything in the documents or anywhere else that would persuade me that any more than two sex establishments would be appropriate. I would have to go to a refusal with applicant coming to a hearing and I would suggest we do not support the application.”

Councillors instead voted in favour of an amendment to the application which proposed the application for a license for the venue was not granted at present, but the applicants are invited to address the committee to provide more details on the proposals.

Prior and after the meeting the following tweets were sent by Paul Douglas, who’s Twitter profile states: “Applications, Representation at Hearings, APLH and DPS Training, Covert Evidence Gathering, Expert Witness for the Legal Profession. You name it, we do it!”

1st SEV hearing tomorrow, could grant but most unlikely. Back mob handed no doubt in a few months time! Usual objections #endoftheworld

— Paul Douglas (@LicensingNW) July 26, 2015

Wrexham. First Committee hearing for our SEV application.

— Paul Douglas (@LicensingNW) July 27, 2015

Drama "SEV" continues in Wrexham in September. Certainly got an idea which way one councillor will be voting. Now to convince the others!

— Paul Douglas (@LicensingNW) July 27, 2015