By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
More than 74 people are opposing plans to renew a controversial strip club licence to open during race days in Cheltenham opposite a town centre church.
Red Apple Associates Ltd, which operates as ‘Eroticats’, has applied to Cheltenham Borough Council to renew the licence to use the premises at Jessop House, 30 Cambray Place, Cheltenham.
The application made by Steven Burrows is for the strip club to open to coincide with race days in October, November, December, January, March, during Cheltenham Festival, April and May.
The venue, which welcomes up to 500 customers a night, operates as Eroticats and first opened there during Cheltenham Festival last year.
It was previously based at the 2 Pigs in Church Street. The proposals have previously sparked concerns among women’s rights and religious groups in Cheltenham including representatives of Cambray Baptist Church which is on the other side of the street from the venue.
This time around the authority has received 74 objections and 40 representations in support of the application from residents and others during the statutory consultation period.
An objector, who is not named as the council censors the names of people who comment on licensing applications, said: “We strongly object to the opening of a strip club in the centre of Cheltenham for the sole purpose of satisfying the needs of the influx of men during racing weeks.
“The venue will be situated opposite Cambray Baptist Church and a nearby nursery, which have both objected. Cheltenham rightly has a good reputation of being a safe place for women, children and all visitors.
“We feel that the erotic performances that this venue will be hosting, will make the area a less safe place for tourists and citizens alike.
“Please do not issue a licence.”
Another objector said allowing such establishments in Cheltenham raises”many dark questions relating to the safety of women and girls in the area”.
“Why should people have to tolerate this type of establishment?
“For years it has been widely recognised the harm that they caused and the danger they present to people.
“Please consider the impact it will have and the message it sends out to men! We live in an increasingly dangerous society. I don’t think I need to spell that out.
“As a woman I am deeply concerned and disgusted by these types of establishments.”
However many performers and customers of the strip club have written in support of the proposals.
One person said they have worked for Steven and the Eroticats for many years and say the venue provides a safe environment.
“If I didn’t believe it being a safe environment I would not return every March/November in Cheltenham,” they said.
“I found it to be hard work but very enjoyable. Steven applying a for a lap dancing licence shows a commitment to working with Cheltenham licensing and police creating a regulated and organised safe environments for all.
“I know the licensing and police visit all venues during the festival dates which does include the clubs operating under the exemption ruling. With a lot more males performing strip events in Cheltenham under the exemption, would be interesting how many inspections have been made to such events.
“Female performers should be treated as male performers, why are men who attend portrayed as sexual predators and women who attend male strip shows not?”
Another supporter said they have witnessed more incidents of violence and antisocial behaviour in normal bars and clubs around Cheltenham during race week rather than at licensed strip clubs.
Councillors will consider and decide the proposals the licensing sub-committee meeting on November 6.
If the latest sexual entertainment venue licence is approved as applied for, the venue will be allowed to open from 8am to 5am during the Showcase Friday and Saturday in October, the November meeting Friday and Saturday, and the Christmas meeting Friday and Saturday in December.
The licence, if granted, would also allow the strip club to open from 8pm to 5am for the New Year’s Day meeting and the Festive Trials Saturday in January.
In March the plans are to open from 8pm to 5am on the Monday of Cheltenham Festival Week and from 6pm to 5am the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of that week with the venue opening from 6pm to 5am on the Saturday.
Eroticats have also applied to open from 8pm to 5am on the April meeting Wednesday and Thursday as well as during the Hunters Showcase Friday in May.
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