A new lap dancing club can open in Carlisle.
Cumberland Council’s regulatory sub-committee met at Carlisle’s Civic Centre to consider the application for a sexual venue entertainment licence and agreed to grant it.
Arches Gentleman’s Club would offer lap dancing and pole dancing, as well as cabaret evenings, in the former Below venue on Botchergate.
Arch Bar Ltd applied for the licence and said it would be a female-run club and added it would be “dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for women to work and express themselves”.
The application said a lap dance would cost £20 for three minutes.
The committee heard from the authority’s licensing manager and applicant Kayleigh McCrone before retiring to consider their decision.
After the short period of consideration they told Mrs McCrone that they had decided to grant the licence and the legal adviser outlined a number of conditions relating to security staff, a zero-tolerance policy, staff training policy, regular safety drill training and a Challenge 25 policy at all times.
In addition, the timing of nudity would be restricted to only after 10pm, no children would be allowed at any time on the premises, a condition relating to staff safety, CCTV coverage and activities restricted only to lap dancing and pole dancing.
During the meeting the licensing manager told members they received a detailed letter from Mrs McCrone and she had not committed any offences so was considered to be a suitable applicant.
He said that they had received some objections, but they were not relevant under licensing policy and added: “People’s view on sexual entertainment has changed.
“We are now in the 21st century.”
Mrs McCrone told members that women had expressed concerns that the industry should change and lead in a different direction.
She added: “It’s the most perfect venue in Carlisle.”
She assured members that the entrance to the premises would be discreet with a like for like replacement sign and she aimed it to be a safe space which was tasteful and classy where everybody would be welcome.
In her letter to the authority, she said: “We are excited to share that we have the full support of keen dancers who are eager to start working with us, further demonstrating our commitment to establishing a thriving community within the club.
“To ensure transparency and mutual understanding, all dancers will receive contracts that outline their terms and conditions as well as their rights.
“These contracts will be provided every quarter, allowing dancers to stay informed about their financial standing and any changes to their agreements.
“This regular communication aims to foster a supportive environment where dancers feel secure and valued in their roles.”
Mrs McCrone, who has a background in the nightlife industry, added that the establishment would feature well lit areas, CCTV in lap dancing booths and regular safety drills would be carried out.
