Eden Lounge strip club fights to stay open

Exeter’s only strip club is battling a council decision forcing it to close its doors.

The news comes amongst a spate of Exeter club closures, as the city’s already depleted stock of watering holes is diminished further.

Eden Lounge, situated above boozy nightclub EX4, wanted to renew its sexual entertainment venue (SEV) licence.

But its application was refused on July 21 by Exeter City Council’s licensing committee, following opposition by killjoy local residents and business owners.

An unrelated woman, participating in Pole Sport

Lovers of the pole need not fear though, the club has said it will resolutely provide adult entertainment whilst it seeks a judicial review of the council’s verdict.

Councillors had deemed there was “no locality” in Exeter where it would be appropriate to licence an SEV.

Further objections were raised to a sex establishment being within the vicinity of an active Methodist Church which offers weekday activities to its congregation until 9.30pm.

Additionally the committee rejected the application because the venue was judged to be too close to historic buildings, including Exeter Cathedral.

Patrick Scullion, on behalf of Eden Lounge, said: “Although the city council has decided not to renew the SEV licence, Eden Lounge will remain open until the decision of a High Court judge.”

Another unrelated woman participating in Pole Sport

A petition by gender equality campaign group Fawcett Devon against the application garnered 104 signatures.

Representatives of the venue also presented a petition in support of the application, signed by 400 women.

Former Exeter sex worker, Charlotte Rose, 34, slammed the council’s decision as being beyond belief.

Naughty EX4

Speaking to the Exeter Express and Echo, she said: “This is an example of religion projecting their thoughts and beliefs on to the rest of society. But religion should have no say when it comes to consensual adult activity.

“Sex is a normal natural process. Who has the right to take away people’s sexual freedom? Nobody does.

“I should be able to do as I choose according to my own morals, values and ethics.

“Women have a human right to earn a living. But they have had that taken away without consent. The girls were dancing in a secure environment, not out on the streets.

“There have been no reported incidents associated with the club, and no one has been put in any danger.”