The number and location of lap dancing clubs in Kirklees will be closely regulated for the first time.
Kirklees Council has become the last authority in West Yorkshire to close a loophole allowing strip clubs to operate relatively unregulated.
At the moment the council only has the ability to regulate sex shops, sex cinemas and hostess bars.
Last year the council launched a consultation asking residents and councillors where they thought lap dancing clubs should be. It found that most people thought there should be none at all.
On Wednesday councillors unanimously agreed to adopt the new powers which will allow councillors to veto some applications and closely control where “sexual entertainment venues” can open.
The powers allow it to prevent lap dancing clubs opening in sensitive locations, such as close to churches, official or historic buildings, schools or areas where children play.
It means clubs already in operation could have their licences revoked.
The new rules forbid fully nude dancing and also ban clubs from advertising in their windows using photographs or other images which suggest that striptease takes place.
In Leeds the new regulations have allowed the council to order the closure of two strip clubs opposite Leeds Town Hall and one close to the city’s train station.
Kirklees only has a handful of lap dancing clubs at the moment including Mr G’s on Westgate, Cleopatras Lounge on Northumberland Street and Cleopatras at Lockwood Road, Folly Hall.
The new policy will come into force on October 1.
