Bid to halt sex shop wins police backing
CAMPAIGNERS against plans to open a sex shop in the town centre have received the backing of Worthing police.
In a letter in response to an application by Shoptonight Ltd to open a licensed sex shop at 101 Rowlands Road, Mike Webb, the police's licensing officer, said such establishments in the town were inappropriate.
He said in the letter: "It is acknowledged there are no similar sex shops in the area, but it is the police belief that any more than none is not appropriate." Mr Webb also went on to reveal there are two children's homes near the planned shop.
The backing has been welcomed by moral campaigner Steve Stevens, who has led the fight against plans to open the shop.On Monday, Mr Stevens took to the streets for one last protest before tonight's meeting of Worthing's licensing and control committee, when it will be decided whether or not to grant Shoptonight a sex shop licence.
Mr Stevens, who will be demonstrating at the Town Hall just before the meeting, said: "We hope the licensing committee will refuse the application for a sex shop licence.
"As well as protesting with placards before the meeting, I will also be asking a question during the proceedings."
According to the sex shop licence application form and a poster on the shop window, it will be called Secret Desires Boutique.
Kathy Sutton, of Shoptonight, has submitted two plans of the front and inside of the shop, one if the licence is granted and one if it isn't – because, according to her, they can open legally without a licence and will have fewer restrictions. If licensed, the shop will have a window and door of frosted glass, so there will be no view into the shop. It will be open to over-18s only and opening hours will be restricted by the council. If unlicensed, the shop will not have frosted glass and the opening hours will be decided by Shoptonight Ltd.
Ms Sutton said: "No matter what, we will be opening in two weeks. I have signed a 10-year lease."
According to the report, 57 letters of objection were received by licensing officers, along with a petition containing 1,202 signatures.
Steven Chapman, a campaigner, said: "We are pleased we have received backing from the police." Luise Harding said: "In my opinion it is an abomination to have such a shop like that in this town, or anywhere else in the world."
But Ms Sutton added that it was going to be a tasteful business. I have other shops in the south and don't have any problems," she said.
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Weather for Worthing
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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