Businessman behind Solihull's first lap-dancing club claims venue will boost economy
She said: “Solihull is a family town. If the owner says this will bring in more business then I’m not sure it’s the kind of business we would want. I think this shows the whole mess of the licensing and entertainment laws that have allowed something like this into a town like Solihull.”
Councillor Michael Robinson (Conservative, Castle Bromwich) who chairs the Economic Development & Regeneration Scrutiny Board, added: “Solihull has always welcomed new business enterprises into our town. Surprisingly, I find myself at odds with what is being proposed here.
“I really do not believe an exotic dancing club is either desirable or appropriate for Solihull. From an economic point of view, encouraging more people into the town in the early hours of the morning could well stretch our infrastructure to breaking point.”
Mr McKay defended his venture. He said: “It’s a misconception that this will be terrible for Solihull. It’s going to bring people into Solihull and attract business people from the NEC. It’s going to be an extremely safe environment.”
He added: “Of course there’s going to be people up in arms because they don’t understand what it’s going to be like. The reason I got the licence is the venue lends itself very well to the proposal, as it’s a basement location behind closed doors.
“It’s not going to be seedy. It’s actually going to be really nice. The private dancing will never be in the main area of the club, which will have a wine bar feel.
“People have tried for years to get a licence to do this. It’s taken me two years of planning. The hospitality industry is difficult in any climate; you’ve just got to work a bit harder. I’m trying to change the perception people have of most gentleman’s clubs.”
The new venue, decked out with chandeliers, Italian leather seating and a solid granite bar, will include a main area with a pole and a separate area with nine “VIP” booths.
