Stringfellows' Controversial Bid for Mayfair Strip Club Meets Strong Resistance
The renowned Covent Garden gentlemen's club, Stringfellows, has submitted a formal application to Westminster City Council to establish a new strip club in Mayfair, sparking significant backlash from local residents and authorities. The proposed venue would occupy the lower ground floor at 8-9 Dover Street, a location that has remained vacant for several years and is just a five-minute walk from Green Park station.
Licensing Applications and Objections
Stringfellows is seeking both a Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licence and a premises licence, which, if approved, would permit operations until 6am daily. However, the Metropolitan Police have raised serious concerns, with PC Steve Muldoon highlighting the area's designation as a 'special consideration zone'. In his submission, he expressed worries about the extended hours potentially leading to increased crime during periods that are already challenging to police effectively.
Council documents reveal additional objections from the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum, which supports the Residents Society of Mayfair and St James's in opposing the applications. The Forum argues that Mayfair has experienced a surge in evening economy activity, placing strain on local residents. They warn that late-night noise from patrons leaving the premises could disturb nearby residential flats, particularly as ambient noise levels drop after midnight.
Arguments from Both Sides
Representing Stringfellows, barrister David Dadds addressed the Westminster City Council Licensing Sub-Committee, asserting that the proposed shift from a nightclub to an SEV-led venue would actually reduce the impact on the locality. He noted that the requested capacity would be lowered from 300 to 175 until 3am, then to 100 patrons thereafter. Dadds emphasized that SEV activities would be confined to the basement, with customers expected to be discreet, and pointed out that a previous SEV had been approved on Dover Street, suggesting the area is suitable for such establishments.
In contrast, Belinda Harley, representing the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum and Residents Society, voiced grave concerns about the application undermining the neighbourhood's character. She described Dover Street as home to prestigious institutions like The Royal Academy of Arts, The Royal Institution, The Arts Club, and Brown's Hotel, warning that loud, drunken patrons spilling into the streets in the early hours could disrupt this upscale environment. Harley also raised ethical issues, suggesting that sexual entertainment often involves young women facing economic uncertainty, and labelled the venue a potential crime hub.
Ongoing Debates and Decision Timeline
Despite Dadds' arguments that Stringfellows' Covent Garden location does not typically see increased crime or disruption, both the Licensing Authority and the Met Police maintained their objections on policy grounds. PC Muldoon acknowledged satisfaction with agreed conditions but remained uneasy about the late operating hours. The council's decision is anticipated early next week, following the sub-committee's deliberations.
This case highlights the tension between business expansion and community preservation in one of London's most exclusive districts, with stakeholders closely watching the outcome.
