Lapdance club laws 'must be tightened'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ministers were under fresh pressure last night to toughen up the way lapdancing clubs are licensed.

Campaigners claim that a shake-up of the laws five years ago made it 'as easy to buy a lapdance as to buy a cappuccino'.

They are urging the Government to close a loophole blamed for a surge in the number that have opened.

Under Labour's Licensing Act 2003, lapdancing clubs outside London are treated in the same way as bars or restaurants and need only an alcohol licence to open.

It has meant that the number operating has doubled to around 300.

Homeowners who fear their neighbourhoods will be blighted by sleazy clubs have been powerless to stop them.

Campaigners are pressing ministers to classify the clubs as 'sex encounter' venues that 'provide sexual-stimulation'.

This would bring them into line with sex shops and sex cinemas and would give councils more power over where, when and how the clubs function.

The Local Government Association, which represents 466 bodies including councils and fire and police authorities, has sent a letter to Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe urging him to change the rules.

Women's rights campaigners have also demanded reform.

Dr Sasha Rakoff, director of women's rights group Object, said: 'We call on the Government to restore democracy to the licensing process and send out a powerful message that buying a lapdance is not the same as buying a cappuccino.'