GOVERNMENT TO TIGHTEN RULES ON LAP DANCING

2.44.03pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Jun 2008

Stephen Gilbert collects signatures for petition for change in law on lap dancing

Stephen Gilbert, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Newquay, who has been campaigning for tighter controls for lap dancing clubs, has welcomed the news that the Government is to change the licensing laws to prevent further growth in the number of venues offering adult entertainment.

Newquay's Liberal Democrats, including MP Dan Rogerson, have been campaigning for stronger controls after the recent rapid rise in the number of venues offering nude entertainment in the town.

Stephen Gilbert said: "It's good news that the Government have listened to the concerns of people in Newquay, and in other places around the country, who don't want to see their towns dominated by the sex industry."

He added: "The Conservatives in Newquay said that lap-dancing clubs were "inevitable", the Liberal Democrats listened to resident's concerns, got a petition up, met with the local council and took the issue to Government. Now we have got the result that local people want."

Dan Rogerson MP, who took the issue of changing the licensing laws up with the Government, said: "We must now press the Government to make sure that the change in law is retrospective so that local Councils are able to review the existing licences."