Lap dancing clubs face crackdown

There's going to be a crackdown on the number of lap dancing clubs allowed in England and Wales.

The government says residents will get the power to force the clubs to apply for new sex establishment licences or face closure.

At the moment, lap dancing clubs are licensed in the same way as cafes and bars.

They can only be stopped from opening if they attract crime or cause a problem with public safety.

The number of clubs has doubled to more than 300 in the last six years.

Closure threat

From April councils in England and Wales will be able to ban strip clubs from opening near schools or in quiet neighbourhoods.

Existing clubs will be classed as "sexual entertainment venues" and have to apply for a new licence or face closure.

Even in areas where clubs are allowed, the local government will be able to control the number.

Occasional strip nights in pubs or clubs won't be affected by the new laws but landlords can only have "special nights" up to 12 times a year.

The Local Government Association has welcomed the announcement.

Councillor Chris White said: "Parents' concerns about what their children might see during their walk home from school should be taken into account."

Lap dancing club owners say the changes will lead to job losses and fewer investments in the £2.1 billion industry.