Leeds lap-dancing clubs given closure reprieve

Image caption Licence applications by the two lap-dancing clubs were both refused by Leeds City Council

Two lap-dancing clubs in Leeds city centre which had faced closure by the council have won a stay of execution.

Licence applications by Deep Blue and Wildcats were rejected last week by Leeds City Council due to "buildings with sensitive uses" near the clubs.

Both clubs were due to close on Friday, but judges at Leeds Combined Court and the High Court have ruled they can stay open while they seek a judicial review.

A third club which also faces closure is yet to hear if it can remain open.

New policy

The club, Red Leopard, on the Headrow, had its licence application rejected by Leeds City Council on the same grounds.

The council licensing sub-committee did renew three other applications.

The council's executive board approved a new policy for the licensing of Leeds sex establishments in September.

It stated sexual entertainment venues should not be located in residential, deprived or rural areas.

It also said the clubs should not be in "prominent areas of the city".

The council decided there would be a maximum of four "sexual entertainment venues" in the city.