Shrewsbury lap dancing night plans given go-ahead

The controversial plans for Source Vodka Bar, on Barker Street, were approved with conditions by Shropshire Council's licensing committee yesterday.

The verdict was made after 41 objections were submitted to the council, including from MP Daniel Kawczynski, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association.

The bar will now be permitted to hold the lap dancing night every Thursday from 9pm until 3am for the next 12 months, when the 'sex encounter establishment' licence will be reviewed.

There will be tables and chairs in the back half of the bar where four clothed ladies will perform a series of pole dances throughout the night. Three private booths will also be available for one-to-one lap dances which will feature nudity.

The council's policy stated that it was unlikely to approve such applications in areas that are predominantly residential or close to 'sensitive premises' such as schools, places of religious worship or places of education.

But the committee decided – having considered its close locality to Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and the Baptist church on Claremont Street – the venue's primary focus of a bar and nightclub would not change. Four identical nights have been held at the nightclub since last August on a trial basis, which applicant Rob Bywater has claimed were 'extremely quiet'.

Tony Mantle, police licensing officer for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, said: "From the records I've been monitoring there have been no reported incidents to myself or the police that would impact on crime or anti-social behaviour."

Mr Bywater today thanked the committee for its 'open minded approach' and confirmed the first night will be held next Thursday.