No issues were found by licensing inspectors at two strip clubs in the city centre of Bristol whose annual licences have now been renewed. Each year the two clubs must apply to Bristol City Council to renew their licence to operate as a sexual entertainment venue (SEV).
Urban Tiger, on Broad Quay, and Central Chambers, on St Stephen’s Street, are both run by the Hale family, and are the only two strip clubs in the city centre. A few years ago they faced a fight to stay open, as the council’s former Labour administration wanted to close them both down.
In July 2022, the licensing committee decided not to ban strip clubs in the city centre, after a public uproar. At a licensing hearing on Thursday, September 26, councillors were told both businesses were run impeccably, with very few concerns raised about crime or disorder.
Philip Kolvin KC, a barrister representing the strip clubs, said: “The Hale family doesn’t comply with everything because they feel like they have to, they comply with everything because they really want to. They want to be seen as one of the best operators in Bristol.
“They try to maintain high standards, keep their premises very smart, and protect those who work there and those who visit. They try to trade in a discreet manner without harm to the wider environment.
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“Just to illustrate that, you have to go back 10 years to see what used to go on. There would be leafleting, branded limousines cruising around the city centre, dancers standing outside with not enough on trying to tempt people in. There would be neon lighting and you could see inside.
“All of that has gone. The premises just doesn’t have a crime and disorder effect on its environment, there isn’t one.”
The morning before the hearing, councillors and council staff visited both of the premises and were given a tour by the managers, to see how they adhere to strict rules and regulations.
Green Councillor Fi Hance, chair of the hearing, said: “Just to clarify: we are not looking to make a judgement on the existence of SEVs per se, but on the running and location of these particular SEVs.”