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Should West Lothian become home to sexual entertainment venues such as lap dancing clubs? And if so, how many?

That’s the question the council will be asking after its executive committee backed a public consultation on new legislation.

New rules mean West Lothian Council has to make a decision on whether to license SEVs, as they are known.

Previously, rules covering these establishments came under alcohol licensing but case law now requires such venues to be separately licensed.

Outlining the changes managing licensing solicitor, Audrey Watson delivered a report to the executive which said: “Guidance states that the new licensing regime will allow local authorities to consider local circumstances in setting the number of venues able to operate within their areas (this could be nil) and to exercise appropriate control and regulation of these venues.

Therefore, in considering whether to pass a resolution to licence SEVs in West Lothian the council should consider whether it will wish to control SEVs either now or in the future.

"If there is no resolution in place, then no licence is required to operate an SEV.”

The report added the main reason for regulating SEVs was to preserve public safety and prevent crime.

At earlier committees councillors expressed robust opinions against allowing SEVs to set up in the county.

Those which operate in cities are also facing stricter licensing regulation under the new rule.

The fear is that without a licensing regime, such establishments would be encouraged to move into the area.

Depute council leader Kirsteen Sullivan said: “I’m very pleased to see comments made at PDSP are reflected in the report, particularly around the safety of women being paramount.”

She added that it was important that consultation should hear the voices of women across the spectrum including women’s aid groups and groups which deal with domestic and sexual abuse.

”I also want to hear the voices of women who work in such establishments as well,” she added.

Council leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, chairing the meeting, said he believed SEVs could not be unregulated and asked for the views of the police to be sought as part of the consultation.

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