Soho hostess bar 'harmed area'

A Soho hostess bar has been closed down for "harming the character of the area".

A High Court judge conceded that "overt sex-related uses are widely scattered" within the Soho conservation area.

However, Mr Justice Richards said a government inspector was right that the bar's "obvious advertising material and distinctive entrance" made it stand out. The hostess bar, at 26 Wardour Street, was refused planning permission by Westminster Council and an inspector confirmed the decision.

But Entertainu Ltd, which has run the bar for more than six years without planning permission, appealed and said the decision was "irrational". In the High Court the judge refused the company's appeal. The bar must now be closed within eight weeks.