City of Westminster (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Penthouse-inspired strip club has been approved by City of Westminster Council for Soho despite concerns over increased crime and antisocial behavior.
The Penthouse Club will feature once-weekly LGBTQI+ performances, Cirque du Soleil-style acts, and fully nude stripteases in exclusive VIP rooms.
According to Westminster Council, Soho Prime Entertainment Ltd., the club’s owner, is a “responsible, professional and experienced operator” who has consented to strict and demanding terms.
Council members were also informed by company representative Caroline Kirkendoll that the club’s goal was to draw in an older and more female audience.
Westminster Council approved the license, despite concerns that it might draw more drug dealers and pickpocketing gangs.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the club, which bills itself as catering to “high-end” patrons, will operate at 1-4 Walker’s Court, the location of the nightclub Madame Jojo’s, which closed in 2014 and has been empty ever since.
Council members listened to objectors who voiced worries about the new club’s 300-person capacity throughout the discussion.
They said that the neighborhood was “saturated” with adult entertainment establishments, which are allegedly drawing pickpocketing gangs and drug touts.
One objector claimed to live in a building with a lap dance club in the basement and said that robbers preyed on what he characterized as wealthy patrons attempting to access establishments late at night.
“It will increase the pedicabs and street drug pushers,”
he said.
The Metropolitan Police did not raise any complaints.
Additionally, according to Ms. Kirkendoll, Kirkendoll Management, the parent business of Soho Prime, has operated clubs in high-crime areas all around the world with “zero instances of security issues with performers or guests.”
The application form states that admission to their Soho location will cost £25 per person.
A 40-oz Tomahawk steak costs £188, a 30g chunk of Imperial Oscietra caviar costs £100, and a bottle of Clase Azul Reposado tequila costs £1,000, according to the food and drink menu.
Up to £8 million is anticipated to be spent by Soho Prime Entertainment to rebuild the location, which it claims will support 75 full-time and part-time jobs after it is finished.
On an average night, there will be five to ten performances on the main stage and between 25 and 50 independent table-side performers.
The council’s licensing subcommittee decided on February 27 to grant the application for a license to operate a sexual entertainment facility.
What are the key concerns regarding this club in Soho?
Locals believe that the club will draw more pickpocketing gangs and drug dealers, making the area’s already severe crime problems worse. They contend that there are already too many adult entertainment venues in Soho that are connected to these issues.
Some residents worry that the strip club’s existence would jeopardize Soho’s developing family-friendly vibe. When children visit the neighborhood, they are concerned about exposing them to adult entertainment venues.
There are differing views in the community. Some locals are against the club because of its possible effects, but others see it as a chance to preserve Soho’s cultural legacy as a destination for adult entertainment.
The Westminster council has received assurances from Soho Prime Entertainment Ltd., the club’s owner, that it will cater to affluent customers, particularly an older and predominantly female demographic. They have also pledged strict rules and security procedures.