Town hall bosses want to curb the number of strip clubs in Manchester city centre amid fears of a sex club price war.

Licensing chiefs want to automatically reject any new licence applications for sex shops or ‘entertainment venues’, saying enough is enough.

Currently there are four sex shops and seven clubs in the centre of Manchester.

A plan by the council – currently out to consultation – would see no more permits granted in case of ‘saturation’.

More licences could drive down prices, they fear – potentially leading to plummeting standards and cut-price drinks.

A report on the proposed curb says: “It is considered that further sex establishments might lead to a saturation of premises within the city centre.

“Problems of saturation and enhanced competition might potentially lead to undesirable competitive practices arising between premises.

“For example, in relation to lowering of entrance prices and drinks promotions at sexual entertainment venues, or even an increased risk to the high standards expected to be maintained at licensed premises, as premises seek to retain their economic viability.”

Currently no sex premises are allowed outside the city centre, while those that do open must be in an ‘appropriate’ location.

But until now there had been no limit to the number that could – in theory – open up, with most clustered around the Northern Quarter, Deansgate and Chinatown.

As well as the cap, the council’s licensing department also wants to enforce stricter security on existing clubs.

New rules would mean at least one bouncer is always on the door and one in the room where the entertainment is taking place.

Local politicians say the plan – out to consultation until June 14 – is a good idea.

City centre councillor Kev Peel said: “I’m going to be putting a short submission to the consultation saying we completely welcome it as the city centre Labour councillors.

“It’s absolutely the right thing to do.”

To have your say on the consultation, click here