Hastings lap-dancing club ‘offers good clean fun’

The long-time owner of a Hastings lap-dancing club has described his establishment as providing ‘good clean fun’ to its clients.
Club XS in Prospect Place (Photo from Google Maps Street View)Club XS in Prospect Place (Photo from Google Maps Street View)
Club XS in Prospect Place (Photo from Google Maps Street View)

Club XS in Prospect Place has to renew its sexual entertainment venue licence with Hastings Borough Council annually in order to continue operating.

But this year, because the council received public objections its renewal had to be discussed by its environment and safety committee.

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Only three objections had been sent in, two of which appeared to be from the same household as they were identically worded.

Speaking to councillors on Thursday night, Club XS’ managing director Peter Eldridge said: “Most people seem to support having the club in the town and we run it well.”

He added: “It’s not to be something sleazy or running something underground it’s supposed to be fun, good clean fun.”

One objector suggested the vast majority of the premises in the immediate area made the character of the area unsuitable for a sex establishment, while several buildings in the area are being redeveloped.

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But council officers explained that over the years they have had zero complaints against the club or its operation. They had also contacted the owners of Rock House, who are developing the old Observer Building and they had no concerns.

Meanwhile Mr Eldridge, who has run the club since 2009, explained that this was the first time anyone had objected to the renewal of the licence.

Although a lap-dancing club, some people do just come in for a drink, and although they could operate all week, Club XS only opens on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays as well as Sundays on bank holiday weekends.

Although the maximum capacity is 120, they rarely have more than 50-60 people in there at a time. He highlighted how Club XS had a ‘high proportion of female visitors because they feel safer in my venue compared to others’ as they have a high number of security staff.

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Mr Eldridge also said they worked very hard with their neighbours and ‘take pride ourselves in running a clean club that is just good fun’.

He added: “I think it’s bringing a lot of good and a lot of fun to the town and we do not tolerate trouble.”

The committee adjourned to deliberate and is set to publish its decision within five working days.

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