We the undersigned object to the granting of the licence on 10 December 2009 that allows Lap Dancing at the premises currently known as Thirst Lodge. We petition for this licence to be withdrawn on the following grounds:
1.Prevention of Crime and Disorder
Research suggests that there is a link between the location of lap-dancing and the number of reported rapes and sexual assaults in surrounding areas.
2.Prevention of Public Nuisance
Thirst Lodge already causes significant disturbance to neighbours because of noise and people congregating outside the club.
Customers of lap-dancing clubs tend to arrive having drunk elsewhere and then drink in the clubs. Men will leave, often in groups, sexually stimulated and likely to engage in behaviour that causes women to feel threatened.
Women report feeling intimidated in the vicinity of lap-dancing clubs – there are reports of women being propositioned and insulted.
People returning to their cars parked in the Westgate Car Park will walk past the club.
Owners of businesses tend to regard lap-dancing clubs as detrimental to the reputation of the area. Oxford City Council and others are working to improve this area of Oxford and the proposed club is likely to work against that.