Potential sex shops and lap dancing clubs in Whitley Bay have been rejected by residents who pleaded with the council to prevent “dodgy” and “degrading” businesses from opening.

North Tyneside Council’s licensing policy for sex shops, sex cinemas and other sexual entertainment venues was reviewed and open to public scrutiny for six weeks from October 2022. The original policy contained an exclusion zone boarded by Whitley Road, Parl Avenue, the Promenade and Esplanade.

Residents were asked for their views on retaining the zone as part of the review.  A total of 16 responses were recorded by council officers, the vast proportion of them in favour of keeping sex businesses out of Whitley Bay.

One resident responded: “Agree wholeheartedly and wish it applied to the entire borough. When I see adverts for this type of venue in other boroughs or the actual venue itself it makes me feel extremely vulnerable as a woman.

“I have deep concerns about the message (that this is an acceptable venue) to our young people. Well done North Tyneside for taking such a strong stance and I welcome any approach by the council to tighten the rules further.”

It was also noted that the Whitley Bay ward councillors supported the retention of the exclusion zone in the town.

Another anonymous resident stated: “In the days when Whitley Bay had a night-time economy it was degrading to find strippers in so many bars.” An additional consultee congratulated North Tyneside Council for “keeping control” of what they termed “dodgy” establishments.

Northumbria Police have also voiced their support for the current licensing policy.

Council documents state that while the local authority will consider applications for such venues in the exclusionary zone, the presumption will be to refuse the application. Such an applicant will then have to make their case to councillors and officers.

North Tyneside Cabinet has since voted to retain its sex business licensing policy and the exclusion zone.