A lap-dancing club has been allowed to keep its licence despite objections from equality groups after the pole dancers themselves told a council they are feminists.

Urban Tiger in Bristol applied to renew its annual permit, but faced challenges from campaigners who called for the 'sexist' venue to be shut down.

However, the city council approved its sexual entertainment venue licence after hearing the lap-dancers are working in a safe environment.

Philip Kolvin QC, the club's barrister, told the hearing yesterday: 'They regard themselves as feminists.'

Urban Tiger in Bristol - a lap-dancing venue, or gentlemen's club - won its battle against feminist activists over the renewal of its licence

Sixteen objections were received from gender equality groups who pleaded with the panel to strip the club of its licence on moral grounds.

Strips clubs are required to update their sexual entertainment venue licences every year to ensure maximum protection for the safety of staff and patrons.

Urban Tiger employs 37 dancers and seven bar staff, all female.

One objector said of the club's previous licence renewal: 'I am unable to avoid seeing Urban Tiger whenever I go to the city centre area.

'I experience this as a constant reminder of my place as a woman in our society and of Bristol's tolerance of sexism.

'Alongside objectification concerns, others say it is not appropriate to have strip clubs in the centre of the city close to residential apartments and close to areas used by families with young children.'

One objector said of the club's previous licence renewal: 'I am unable to avoid seeing Urban Tiger whenever I go to the city centre area'

But a number of women posted their support for the lap-dancing club on social media.

Tasha Thwaites wrote on Facebook: 'I am a woman and visit here with my partner regularly. I enjoy the atmosphere!

'Great vibe! Always meet new people and get talking to somebody different each time. Be that performers or guests. It is not sexist at all.

'Just because somebody dislikes something, that others actually enjoy, is not a reason to try and label it in a negative light!'

Emily-Jayne Strange wrote: 'If the women feel safe and well looked after there it's better to have it open than them having to find money by more dangerous or illegal means.

'Feminism is not just about equality it's about women coming together and doing jobs like this but in a safe environment where they cannot be groped without their consent. I expect they are somewhat in charge of what they want to offer.'