Alex has again urged Cheltenham Borough Council to use their powers to stop strip clubs opening in Cheltenham.
In a letter sent to a hearing of CBC's licensing sub-committee - in which permission was granted for a temporary Sexual Entertainment Venue licence during race week - Alex said:
"I have been very clear that I strongly oppose the granting of SEV licences in Cheltenham, and have done consistently since I became MP. They harm local businesses, attract anti-social behaviour and can create an intimidating atmosphere. In my view, the time has come to stop such venues opening in Cheltenham altogether.
"Some councillors have claimed that their hands are tied when it comes to SEV licences, and that moral objections are not a basis for rejection. I’m afraid that is misleading. It’s not the case that they can do nothing and I have written to the Chair of Cheltenham Borough Council’s Licensing Committee to set out the powers the Council has to take action if it wants to.
"In a letter responding to me, he dismissed those with concerns regarding SEVs as “a minority with moral objections”. I don’t share that assessment. It is patronising and rather misunderstands the issue. I have been contacted by a number of constituents whose concerns are not moral, as they have been at pains to point out, but focused instead on the risks of harassment, the safety of women and impact on business."
The Borough Council continue to grant the applications.
To back Alex's campaign to stop strip clubs opening in Cheltenham, please email alex.chalk.mp@parliament.uk