RESTORMEL TO REVIEW DIVAS LICENCE

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 4th Oct 2008

Restormel Council is set to review the licence for Divas lap-dancing club

Stephen Gilbert, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Newquay, has asked Restormel Council's licensing committee to consider three main points when they review the license of Newquay lap-dancing club, Divas.

Stephen Gilbert said: "I am asking the licensing committee to look at three particular issues. First, the current licence does not explicitly exclude under-18s from entering the club. That needs to be changed to ensure children are protected. Second, Divas is the only venue in Newquay that doesn't have a 'three foot rule' which is common across the industry and is designed to protect both performers and customers from possible unwanted contact and criminal proceedings. This rule is in force in all other similar venues in Newquay and it should apply to Divas too. Third, I've asked the committee to see what they can do about the on-street marketing of the club which many people have told me they see as a real public nuisance."

Stephen Gilbert also welcomed the support of the Cornwall Primary Care Trust and the Devon and Cornwall Sexual Violence Forum, who will both be making a submission to the licensing committee at its meeting on October 13th.

Stephen Gilbert added: "There remains deep concern in Newquay at the way these sorts of venues operate, and I hope the committee use the review as an opportunity to respond appropriately."