STRIP clubs wishing to open in Darlington will be subject to new licencing rules.
Darlington Borough Council has approved proposals to deal with each venue on its own merits, rather than laying down set limits and restrictions across the board.
Sex entertainment venues (SEVs) will be dealt with using the same method as sex shops, requiring operators to apply and pay for a licence.
There are price reductions for workingmen's clubs which want to obtain a SEV licence.
At the moment, there are no SEVs - which include lap, table and pole dancing and strip, peep and live sex shows - in Darlington.
Bill Dixon, cabinet member for neighbourhood service, said at Thursday's full council meeting: "If we don't approve these regulations, we'll end up not being able to regulate at all. I accept to some this will be distasteful, but without it, we lose any control at all."
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