Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

4.1

It was stated to the Committee the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, has written to the Chief Executive because the government is concerned about the increase in lap dancing establishments and similar forms of adult entertainment.

DCMS is gauging the concern of local authorities and other stake holders.  The Home Office and DCMS are seeking views on this issue to see whether lap dancing is adequately controlled by licensing legislation or planning or public decency legislation (for copy see minute book).

The Chairman outlined a response that would be sent to the DCMS/Home Office. The response detailed the history of lap-dance clubs in the city and argued that local authorities should be permitted to control the localities, numbers and management of these premises as they do for sex shops and cinemas.

4.2

An update was given on Taxis. It was noted that since the meeting on 14 February seven warnings/cautions had been issued to drivers and that three licences had been suspended.