Common sense prevails as plans to open a strip club in Sutton Coldfield have been turned down.
The bid by Flints wine bar in Belwell Lane, Mere Green, to re-brand itself as the Pussycats Gentlemen’s Club was thrown out by the city council after more than 100 residents and local businesses sent letters objecting to increases in late night noise, crime and nuisance as well as the moral decline of the area.
In an attempt to appease protesters the licensee Deirdre O’Rourke, who has 35 years experience running pubs, offered to cut back closing times from the initial suggested 3.30am to 1am weekdays and 2am at weekends, in line with other Mere Green nightspots.
A late change of heart by local police, who at first had no formal objections, swung the three-strong licensing committee against the introduction of nude dancing in Mere Green, arguing there was a strong sense of feeling among locals that seedy activities such as prostitution, drug dealing and alcohol-fuelled disorder would soar.
Lawyer Dominic D’Souza, who had recently moved to Mere Green, argued for the protesting residents saying that the council’s own policy stated that lap dancing and strip clubs should not be near schools, family shopping areas, community centres and libraries and houses – and all were within yards of the venue.
But retired police officer Sid Wood, speaking on behalf of Mrs O’Rourke, had made the argued that the club would cause less nuisance than the existing Flints wine bar.
Mr Wood said that Mrs O’Rourke has agreed a strict code of conduct with police, would have a ‘members and their guests only’ door policy and the strippers would be on stage – no private dancing would take place.
Following the committee’s decision he said that it was ‘likely’ they would appeal against the decision. An appeal would be heard by magistrates. | 
