Nude lap dancing may reach West End

Naked lap dancing clubs could spread throughout the West End if Peter Stringfellow succeeds today with a legal challenge to a rule that forces him to keep his dancers partially clothed.

In a move that has alarmed those compaigning for a cleaner West End, Mr Stringfellow wants Westminster council's licensing committee to scrap its policy of insisting that his nightclub's £10-a-time dancers wear a G-string.

His plans have prompted fears that the bitter fight for customers in the West End sex trade is forcing standards-down. The application, which is being keenly watched by Westminster's other 19 strip clubs, has been opposed by residents and business associations who say it will make the area sleazier. Several have sent letters of objection to the hearing.

James Tait, of the Covent Garden Community Association, said: "This would lead to a different type of clientele, more disturbances outside the premises and possible problems with lewd behaviour and prostitution." Local resident Helen Chorley added that Mr Stringfellow's club, in Upper St Martin's Lane, was originally granted a strip licence only on condition that no nudity was allowed.

"This will render the place as little more than an expensive brothel," she said. "I can only think that this will become a haunt for prostitutes and all the other nasties that go with such behaviour, which concerns me greatly as a young single female who regularly walks home late through the vicinity."

As the Evening Standard reported yesterday, Mr Stringfellow claims that the policy in neighbouring Camden, which allows naked table dancing, puts him at a competive disadvantage and has led to a thriving new market in clubs there which leaves him no choice but to follow suit.

He said: "In Camden, Birmingham, Liverpool and clubs all around the country nowadays, table dancers are allowed to take their clothes off now.

I used to be quite happy just with topless, but it's a nude environment now.

"I must have the right for my girls to go naked, although they will be given the choice not to do so if they want, and it will be done tastefully.

"If I don't get it, I will appeal."

Under laws dating back to the Greater London Council, clubs classified as "sexual encounter establishments" have to apply for a waiver if they want to employ strippers.

Westminster allows fully nude dancing on a stage but the waiver stipulates that table dancers must retain an undergarment, in practice a G-string.

Camden, however, allows fully nude table and lap dancers. At the Spearmint Rhino Club in Tottenham Court Road - Mr Stringfellow's leading rival - girls strip completely for £20.

Glenn Nicie, operations director at Mayfair tableside dancing club For Your Eyes Only, said: "If Peter succeeds in this application, we'd probably follow suit as would most of the other places in Westminster.

"Our club in Brent has full nudity if customers want it, and so has our one near Heathrow airport. But you do get a different kind of clientele at fully nude clubs. They can be a slightly rowdier bunch, who need to be kept under closer control."

Lap dancing: behind the scenes
Payout for secretary over 'fit blonde' email