AN ESTABLISHED Bournemouth strip club has overcome strong objections to secure a licence for another year.
Wiggle’s application to renew its sex establishment venue licence was met with opposition by councillors Beverley Dunlop and Lisa Northover.
Cllr Dunlop, portfolio holder for culture and vibrant places, said having two strip clubs around Horseshoe Common made the area the “bottom rung of the night-time economy”.
The Conservative councillor for Moordown said there was no place in the conurbation that was suitable for a lap dancing venue.
Speaking at the licensing sub-committee meeting, Cllr Northover, ward member for Muscliff and Strouden Park, said she believed women avoided the area and asked: “As a town, is this what we want to be known for?”
However, in a decision published on June 7, the sub-committee approved the licence renewal.
Taran Ojla, Wiggle general manager, told the Daily Echo: “We’d like to thank the licensing committee for understanding that Wiggle is a reputable and credible operator, we have been a part of the Bournemouth night time economy for more than 16 years and are pleased to see that our licence was renewed once again.
“Although Cllr Dunlop and Cllr Northover had raised objections; during the committee meeting these concerns were addressed and we were able to provide them with an understanding that we are a credible operator.
“Wiggle is a strip club which invites everyone to the party, we are an entertainment club for all to enjoy.
“We are pleased to see that the police and statutory bodies had raised no objections and that the licensing committee have granted the renewal of our license.”
Wiggle also has venues in Weymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton.
At the sub-committee meeting on May 26, solicitor Jon Wallsgrove, representing Wiggle, said: “The last 12 months have run without any issues.
“There is absolutely no suggestion or credible evidence before you that would suggest that if you renewed the licence there would be any negative impact on the local community from the operations of these premises.”
Sex establishment venues have to apply for licence renewals every 12 months. This applies to Wiggle and the two other Bournemouth town centre strip clubs – For Your Eyes Only in Old Christchurch Road and Club Temptation in Yelverton Road.
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