It's all go-go for lap dancing bar

Councillors have given permission for Cubes nightclub, in Duke Street, Blackburn, to become a lap-dance bar after meeting as Blackburn with Darwen's licensing committee.

Police had asked for the club for have an over-21s policy to stop it attracting older teenagers from Blackburn College, which is next to Cubes.

But the councillors, who discussed the proposal in public before continuing talks in private, opted to stick with the over-18 policy suggested by Georgia Elliott, the licensee.

She had argued that it would be strange to have dancers aged 18 and over but only allow drinkers aged 21 and over.

She also claimed that it would pose management problems if large groups arrived and only part of the group was allowed in.

Ms Elliott said: "There has been publicity about this and people have said it is something they think will be popular.

"I think there is a gap in the market and we intend to be discreet. There won't be pictures of naked women outside and we intend to be tasteful."

She added: "It will appeal to men and women. We will have dancers of both sexes but I think some women will be interested just to see what goes on."

The licensing committee was told Ms Elliott would be the 'House Mum' - the woman responsible for looking after the dancers, who are self-employed and earn up to £1,000 a week.

Her legal advisor, Anthony Lyons, added that the club would be too pricey for most older teenagers, charging admission, plus money for a lap-dance. A bottle of Stella lager will cost £3.75.

Dancers at the club will only be allowed to strip to their G-strings and the house rules also include a "no touching" policy.

PC Steve Finlay said the police wanted the higher age limit to keep older teenagers away. His request for better lighting outside the club and CCTV covering the whole venue were accepted by the committee.

Ms Elliott's public entertainment licence will now be amended to permit the lap-dance venue, called the Velvet Lounge.