NEW LAP-DANCE LAW SIGNED BY QUEEN

12.00.00pm GMT Sun 15th Nov 2009

Steve Gilbert has helped to lead the campaign to stop the spread of lap dancing clubs in Newquay

Newquay's Prospective MP, Steve Gilbert, has welcomed the news that the new law set to tighten controls on lap-dancing clubs has been signed by the Queen.

The Policing & Crime Act gained Royal Assent on November 12th and will introduce a much stronger regulatory regime for lap-dancing clubs.

Until now lap-dancing has been subject to the same licensing regime as coffee shops and restaurants. The new law reclassifies lap-dancing clubs as 'sex establishments' rather than 'entertainment' venues, allowing councils more control.

Prospective MP Steve Gilbert said, "Over the last four years the lap-dancing industry has double in size and Newquay has been one of the towns at the sharp end. For over two years now I've worked with residents to fight the spread of these clubs and to ensure they are properly regulated. This new law is good news for Newquay and will allow Cornwall Council to listen to local residents and to fight back."

The law will come into force on 1 April 2010 but for the first year local Councils will be able to choose whether to adopt the new legislation. Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillors will be pushing for the new powers to be adopted as soon as possible.

Newquay Cornwall Councillor Joanna Kenny said, "I'll be tabling a motion as soon as possible to make sure Cornwall adopts these new powers as soon as they come into effect in April."