Soho porn 'superstore' is blocked

Soho campaigners have claimed a landmark victory in their fight against the pornography industry after licensing chiefs blocked plans for a "sex superstore".

The application by East End porn giant Darker Enterprises for a two-storey shop on Brewer Street was thrown out by Westminster council's licensing committee after complaints from residents. Neighbours say it is the first time in Soho's history that such an establishment has been blocked purely on the grounds of their objections.

Andy Elvin, director of the Soho Family Centre, said: "Legally, there was nothing wrong with the application so we are very happy that Westminster saw fit to reject it. It suggests that their muchvaunted policies about cleaning up the West End may mean something."

A spokesman for Darker Enterprises, which has 60 sex shops UK-wide said: "Our store is entirely legitimate, but we don't think any precedent has been set here."