Soho to lose sex appeal as council closes shops

Soho is set to lose its last illegal sex shops.

Westminster council said at least 15 would be closed. It also threatened to toughen rules on lap dancing clubs.

Council leader Colin Barrow has repeatedly vowed to clean up Soho in time for the Olympics and today launched a fresh attack on the area's "seediness". "There is no place in a civilised society for the drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour which has for too long been the scourge of Soho," he said.

Supporters of the area's sex trade accused him of sanitising a landmark that attracts tens of thousands of tourists a year. But Mr Barrow said: "Soho is a hub for creative industries which generate nearly £15billion a year. The vast majority of visitors would never venture anywhere near the seedy premises, and the view that the sex and drugs are part of its 'charm' is simply wrong."

A spokesman for the Soho Society said: "We have nothing against following the laws of the land, but it still needs to retain its character." The council's move follows the recent closure of 51 illegal sex shops and "clip joints".

Under the plans lap dancing clubs could be forced to apply for "sexual establishment" instead of entertainment licences. Only 18 such licences are available for the borough. There will also be new inspections of Soho food outlets.