A new strip club is set to open after renovations in Soho
SHARE:
A new adult entertainment venue in Soho has been approved by Westminster council amidst growing concerns over women’s safety in London’s most dangerous borough.
A strip club inspired by adult magazine Penthouse was approved last week by Westminster council, who said that the club’s owner, Soho Prime Entertainment Ltd, was a ‘responsible, professional, and experienced operator.’
The approval comes amidst growing concerns over the safety of night time workers in the area. According to the Met Police, Westminster is the most dangerous borough in London with higher rates of theft, drugs and possessing a weapon than anywhere else in the city.
Council say responsibility for safety has been managed
Amidst concerns, the council have defended their decision, stating that the responsibility for safety of women lies with the businesses and that this is being managed.
What we’ve seen with some of the other Sexual Entertainment Venues, is because they operate longer hours, they reduce crime elements nearby. Badly run clubs make it worse, well run clubs make it better – they make sure punters or staff get where they need to go.
Westminster Councillor Tim Barnes
Workers and residents say safety could be compromised
Whilst the council maintain that the businesses are responsible for the safety of their employees and are confident in this, Megan, a hostess who works opposite the Penthouse venue voices concerns. She spoke to CityNews about the danger she feels she is subjected to leaving her workplace:
Every time I go out I’m always on edge. They recommend me not to get the bus but for me, that’s just not worth it.
Megan states that whilst public transport isn’t recommended by her employers, it’s her only affordable option. She notices an increase in perceived risk to night workers in the area since the pandemic.
Tim Lord, Chair of Soho Resident Society echoes these concerns, saying fears are only growing regarding the safety of the area:
Soho varies enormously through the 24 hour period and it has a very significant crime issue which has gotten worse since the pandemic. You can see very specific hotspots which concentrate on Old Compton Street and the intersection of where these new premises are.
The club will open at 1-4 Walker’s Court after a £8 million renovation.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineCouncil deny female safety concerns amidst plans for new Soho entertainment venue
Short HeadlineCouncil defend new Soho venue amidst safety fears
StandfirstWestminster Council defended their approval of the new club, as residents and workers express concerns over safety
A new adult entertainment venue in Soho has been approved by Westminster council amidst growing concerns over women’s safety in London’s most dangerous borough.
A strip club inspired by adult magazine Penthouse was approved last week by Westminster council, who said that the club’s owner, Soho Prime Entertainment Ltd, was a ‘responsible, professional, and experienced operator.’
The approval comes amidst growing concerns over the safety of night time workers in the area. According to the Met Police, Westminster is the most dangerous borough in London with higher rates of theft, drugs and possessing a weapon than anywhere else in the city.
Council say responsibility for safety has been managed
Amidst concerns, the council have defended their decision, stating that the responsibility for safety of women lies with the businesses and that this is being managed.
What we’ve seen with some of the other Sexual Entertainment Venues, is because they operate longer hours, they reduce crime elements nearby. Badly run clubs make it worse, well run clubs make it better – they make sure punters or staff get where they need to go.
Westminster Councillor Tim Barnes
Workers and residents say safety could be compromised
Whilst the council maintain that the businesses are responsible for the safety of their employees and are confident in this, Megan, a hostess who works opposite the Penthouse venue voices concerns. She spoke to CityNews about the danger she feels she is subjected to leaving her workplace:
Every time I go out I’m always on edge. They recommend me not to get the bus but for me, that’s just not worth it.
Megan states that whilst public transport isn’t recommended by her employers, it’s her only affordable option. She notices an increase in perceived risk to night workers in the area since the pandemic.
Tim Lord, Chair of Soho Resident Society echoes these concerns, saying fears are only growing regarding the safety of the area:
Soho varies enormously through the 24 hour period and it has a very significant crime issue which has gotten worse since the pandemic. You can see very specific hotspots which concentrate on Old Compton Street and the intersection of where these new premises are.
The club will open at 1-4 Walker’s Court after a £8 million renovation.
London stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
