Businessman behind Solihull's first lap-dancing club claims venue will boost economy
A businessman behind Solihull’s first lap-dancing club has claimed the venue could boost the town centre’s economy despite fierce opposition against the scheme.
Richard McKay, who sits on the board of the centre’s Business Improvement District, has refurbished his nightclub The Opal Lounge to accommodate a private members venue called Honey Club, which is due to open this month.
He is spending more than £100,000 revamping the club, which will open until 4am six nights a week.
Mr McKay has run The Opal Lounge in High Street for six years and said changes to licensing laws meant the difference between local pubs and late-night venues in the area had become blurred.
He said the area’s night time economy had sometimes lost out to venues in neighbouring Birmingham, and hopes that by opening a lap-dancing club, he will increase the number of “upmarket”, wealthy executives visiting Solihull for entertainment.
But local residents have raised concerns over the location of the club, saying it was inappropriate for the area.
Solihull Council said it approved the application for a licence variation last year after the company met regulations informing the public of their intentions by posting notices on-site for 28 days as well as in the local press.
Maggie Throup, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Solihull, said she felt the club was “totally inappropriate” for the area.
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