Police concerns over lap-dance club plan

POLICE have raised concerns about plans to change a city bar into a lap-dancing club.

As previously revealed in the Echo, the EX4 bar, in Fore Street, wants to transform its top floor into a late-night lap-dancing and pole-dancing club called Eden Lounge.

The bar's owner has applied to Exeter City Council for a change in its license so it can hold erotic dancing — including private naked shows — and extend its hours until 3am at weekends.

The proposals have prompted concerns from police who said the current control and management of the bar is an issue.

Objections have also been received from local residents, businesses and the nearby Mint Methodist Church, in Fore Street.

John Bean, alcohol-related crime reduction officer for Devon and Cornwall police, said: "Our representation is mainly based upon crime and disorder issues which we've had at the premises.

"There have been a number of problems there recently.

"There are concerns about the premises and we are in close consultation with the owner and manager."

The Rev Andrew Sails, of the Mint Methodist Church, said the introduction of a lap-dancing club into the area would be a "dangerous and unwelcome" move.

In a letter of objection to the council, he said: "Our concern is that the introduction of lap dancing would tend to attract those who could use it as a cover for criminal aspects of the sex industry — including trafficking.

"It would also increase the risk that girls and women nearby would meet with unwelcome, intimidating and/or offensive attention and even physical attack."

Mark Honeysett, manager of Walkabout bar in Fore Street, has also objected to the lap dancing application because of noise.

But owner of EX4, Ali Anvari, insisted the club would be well managed with tight security.

He said: "We have had a meeting with the police about the plans. They wanted to see how the place is going to be run.

"We are aware that the police have had some concerns about the bar.

"We had a meeting with the superintendent about our buy-one-get-one-free offer, which they wanted us to stop, which we have now."

The plans are due to be discussed by the city council's licensing sub-committee on Wednesday.