A BUSINESSMAN behind plans for a new gentleman’s club in Carlisle said he is “disappointed” the idea was turned down - as claims were made there is an unlicensed gay sex sauna operating elsewhere in the city.

Barrister Leo Charalambides QC made the comments at a regulatory panel meeting of the city council as he sought to explain why a “discreet” gentleman’s club should get the go-ahead.

The plans had been tabled by nightclub owner Lee Weatherley who wanted to open the club on the site of the Rewind Bar and Grill, previously Mint, in Botchergate.

But licensing chiefs refused to grant a licence for a “sexual entertainment venue” following objections from businesses including the Ibis hotel, the Vue cinema as well as leaders from the Hebron Evangelical Church.
Mansion Investments Limited had been seeking permission to open a high end venue known as the PC Lounge catering for a “moneyed clientele”.

Urging the panel to grant permission for the venue, Mr Charalambides pointed to the number of bookmakers and late-night drinking venues in the Botchergate area – and the presence of another lap dancing club nearby, Club Rouge.

He presented this as evidence of an “established night-time economy of bars, clubs and adult entertainment venues”.

He added: “I’m surprised to see a representation from a cinema given that when I go into a cinema lobby I’m as likely to see an advert for Fifty Shades of Grey which promotes sadomasochistic violence against partners, it encourages restraint – I may also see posters that encourage affairs, infidelity, guns, violence drug-taking and other forms of behaviour next to the poster for the latest Lego film or the latest Disney film.”

The proposed venue is 50m from Hebron Evangelical Church, directly opposite the Ibis hotel and close to the Vue Cinema. The council has received 16 objections from residents, church leaders and community groups.

Councillor John Bell, chairman of the regulatory panel, said: “The panel considers that another sex establishment would exceed what the panel considers appropriate for the locality. 

“The granting of the licence would be inappropriate having regard to the character of the area, namely the proximity of a place of worship, residential premises, an hotel and a cinema.”

Council officers also responded to claims that a gay sauna was operating elsewhere in the city.

A licensing chief admitted that officers had previously visited the premises mentioned and the decision “at that time” was that it didn’t require a licence. 

“But I haven’t visited the premises so I can’t comment on that,” he added.

Speaking after the decision, Mr Weatherley said: “I am disappointed with the outcome of today. However, I respect the decision made by the committee and I will not be appealing the decision.”