Camden Council accused of puritanism over new sex policy

Camden Council has been accused of adopting a “puritanical” stance as it voted through tighter measures restricting the number of sex establishments.

A couple told councillors the authority would be acting beyond its domain as a “moral policeman” if they approved controversial new rules to restrict the number of sex establishments to nil, albeit with a list of exceptions.

David Wolf, who works in law, told the licensing committee: “If sex establishments are causing problems that should be dealt with, but there is no evidence before the council which we feel justifies setting a nil limit.

“We don’t control Catholic churches although there is evidence of paedophilia among some Catholic priests – it would be outrageous to control Catholic priests on that basis.

“We are concerned about the general ban. We think the council’s proposal is based on moral distaste to offence.”

Despite Mr Wolf’s impassioned plea, the committee voted through the changes, which will see the council have an inspirational limit of no sex establishments in the borough.

Existing establishments will, however, be able to re-apply for their licence, and other exceptions may also be made.

The debate followed a legal change last year which allows councils to licence lap dancing venues as sex establishments. Council officers said the policy would allow greater control of the industry and included a public consultation.