To strip or not to strip – that’s the question once again being considered by the authorities in a decision that will determine the fate of Chester’s only lap dancing club.

Platinum Lounge in Bridge Street Row was issued with a sex establishment licence on July 24 last year but for a six month period only following a complicated history which has previously seen the licence turned down and subsequently renewed following High Court action.

A renewal application by Bridgerow Ltd was submitted in January and the current licence continues in place until the application has been determined by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s licensing committee at a hearing from 10am next Tuesday (July 7) in HQ.

A report before members says councillors are asked to determine the application following consideration of the application form and any oral submissions from the applicant and other parties together with any objections. They are warned the council could incur additional costs in the event of an appeal against a refusal decision.

Among the representations to be considered are a witness statement from Gavin Yates, the designated premises supervisor, who states: ”Our venue causes little or no actual harm to anybody, save to certain sensibilities. It provides a diverse and lawful entertainment offering that is popular to many.”

Company director Philip Archer-Jones said: “Since we have been having all the trouble with the SEV licence we have been approached by a number of people who are interested in the venue, two of whom want to turn it into a swingers’ club, one who has a venue in Canal Street, Manchester, who wants to turn it into a gay venue. We still believe our use is better for this locality as it is low impact and discreet.”

A 25-year-old dancer at the club said in a witness statement: “The Platinum Lounge is a really enjoyable environment to be in. I like being treated as a team member. I feel safe and comfortable in such a secure environment with colleagues who have become my friends.”

Frank Marnell, chair of Chester Pub Watch and secretary of Chester Licensed Victuallers’ Association, stated: “Platinum Lounge is a well organised professional company who have excellent staff who are conversant with what their clientele require. They run an efficient establishment with little or very few problems compared to other establishments in the area.”

But objectors include the White Friars Residents’ Association (WFRA) whose representative Philip Kolvin QC stated in their submission: “The new legislation is designed to give authorities much greater control over what goes where, taking into account community concerns. Lap dancing clubs and historic city centres trying to promote a family-friendly image are not a desirable mix, particularly with a growing residential population on the doorstep.”

Mr Kolvin claimed licence breaches had been witnessed by 'independent investigators' acting on behalf of WFRA including simulation of sex acts by dancers, customers 'snorting drugs', dancers 'offering extras', failure of door staff to wear badges and the distribution of flyers not approved by the council.

He argued the venue need not close if the application was refused but could instead be converted into a restaurant, cafe or shop.

A letter is included in the evidence from student Nicola Roberts who explains that she is buying a student property in the neighbourhood. She comments: “I would like to contest this club, realising it is detrimental to the emotional wellbeing of students living in the area who may be tempted to make an income from it due to financial difficulties or to visit out of curiosity.”

Sarah Quinn, operations director of Fortis Lettings and Management, which will run the student accommodation scheme in Chronicle House, Commonhall Street, wrote: “Fortis Student Living would like to express our opposition to such a renewal as this venue could pose some risk to the vulnerable students who will be living within our property. The clientele that frequent such establishments may pose a risk to our students when entering and exiting this establishment.”