Hove lap dancing application thrown out
18 January 2008
Residents of west Hove are celebrating after Brighton and Hove City Council's licensing panel turned down an application from The Portland Hotel for 'lap, exotic and pole' dancing.
Ian Davey, Green Party city councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate for Hove, lives nearby and helped lead the community in their successful campaign against the application.
Ian (pictured left) declared: "This bold decision by the panel is a victory for common sense.
"Residents are delighted that their efforts have been rewarded and are heartened to hear that their views have been taken note of and their concerns acted on.
"I hope that this will go some way to restore the confidence of the public in the ability of the system to represent their interests as well as those of business.
"If a licensing application is made from a premises nearby to them that they feel will be problematic, it is important that residents stand up and have their say.
"This decision sends the message that if you do that clearly and loudly your voice will be heard,” Ian explained.
The panel and the residents were also pleased to hear that the landlord of the pub plans to transform it into a family venue offering food and music, and that it will become a pub for the whole community.
"This is what the residents have been calling for all along," Ian added. "They are not against the pub itself but just against the lap and pole dancing proposed in this application.
"I am sure many will welcome these new proposals and will look forward to seeing these changes implemented and the creation of a family pub that will serve the whole community.”
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane, External Communications Co-ordinator, on 07899 843206.[ENDS]
