Rotherham Council is set to adopt a zero policy on new sex establishments in the borough. This follows a recent public consultation in which many local residents supported the Council taking a tougher stance on these venues. Labour councillors will consider and vote on this policy at the Cabinet meeting on Monday 10 June.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Rotherham Council, has said:

“People have told us their concerns and it is clear people don’t want to see these sort of establishments in their local areas. We also heard concerns about how these clubs operate. Therefore I’m pleased we will be looking to bring in a nil policy, for lap dancing clubs across Rotherham.”

A public consultation was carried out earlier in the year on this issue and it asked residents which areas they thought were not suitable for sex establishments. The vast majority of residents who responded said they wanted tougher rules to prevent new venues from opening in the borough. Following this consultation, councillors voted to adopt better regulations on sex establishments in the Full Council meeting held last week.

This zero policy now follows the vote taken last week and it will be considered by Labour councillors for approval at the next Cabinet meeting. This tougher stance on sex establishments is being supported by Labour councillors who want to better regulate this industry in order to protect women’s rights and improve workers conditions.