Council leader opposing Solihull lap dancing club plan

Oct 8 2009 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Post

The leader of Solihull Council has issued a motion opposing the opening of a new lap dancing club in the town centre.

Councillor Ken Meeson (Conservative, Dorridge & Hockley Heath) called for more legislative control to be given to local authorities after it emerged Solihull nightspot The Opal Lounge was to be rebranded as an exotic dancing venue called Honey Club.

The Opal Lounge was granted a licence variation allowing the change by the council’s licensing committee a year ago, after no objections were raised. But since news broke of plans for the club, which will open six nights a week until 4am, residents and councillors have complained they had no idea about the revamp. The issue will be debated during a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Club owner Richard McKay said he had met licensing criteria that satisfied local authorities including the police and Safeguarding Children Board. He said the club’s basement location in High Street was unobtrusive and only those aged 25 and over would be allowed in.

Mr McKay, who sits on the board of the area’s Business Improvement District, said the “gentleman’s club” would “not be seedy” and could win business from neighbouring Birmingham City Centre by enticing wealthy executives into Solihull for nights out.

But Coun Meeson said: “Government legislation that allows lap dancing clubs open in a town like Solihull is just plain wrong.”