Strip clubs could be phased out in Aberdeen due to a policy change that agrees not to replace one if it closes.
There is now a “presumption against” new licences for sexual entertainment venues in Aberdeen after a change to policy was agreed by the City Council.
The amendment to the existing policy at Licensing Committee means a current sexual entertainment venue will likely not be replaced with a new one if it closes.
The city has five sexual entertainment venues which will still be able to submit applications to renew their licences.
The Committee made the decision after careful consideration of all the factors involved with the prime consideration of public safety.
However, licences could be rejected for any new premises as the committee was keen to see the number reduced should any of those premises cease trading for any reason with a view to eventually reducing the number to zero.
Committee convener Councillor Gill Al-Samarai said: “The committee made the decision after careful consideration of all the factors involved with the prime consideration of public safety.
“In developing the current licensing policy and the amendment agreed today, we took care to balance the freedom of individuals to engage in legal employment and activities with the right to exercise appropriate control and regulation to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the staff and patrons.”
A report to the committee said at the review of the sexual entertainment venue licensing policy, last year, the committee set the upper limit for sexual entertainment venues in the city centre as five on the grounds that five premises were currently operational.
Should any of the premises change ownership or cease trading for any reason however, a new application would be required for those premises.
That application could be refused on the grounds that it would cause the limit to be exceeded as it would be regarded as a new application and not a renewal.
A similar policy was overturned in Edinburgh in 2023 due to backlash.