The following is about dance anyway.

Not an uncommon story this one. Another live music venue is lost for reasons nothing to do with the reasons claimed for preventing the application.

Will the Bill change this?

Dorset Evening Echo 14 May 2003
By Emily Pykett emily.pykett@dorsetecho.co.uk

Pub boss says she will appeal rejection of licence application.

LAPDANCE LANDADY IN VOW TO BATTLE ON.

Controversy over lapdancers and strippers performing in a rural pub is rumbling on. The landlady of the Royal Oak in Bere Regis, Elizabeth Jayne, vowed to appeal against Purbeck District Council's decision not to grant her a public entertainment licence after an outcry from local residents.

Around 60 people, including clergymen, protested at a heated meeting of the licensing committee in the Drax hall yesterday, and produced a petition bearing 503 signatures opposing the plans.

The council, which received 11 letters of objection, also heard that the West Street pub, was not high enough, the stairwell was not wide enough and the car park too small for a public entertainment venue.

After councillors voted unanimously not to grant the licence, Mrs Jayne. 55, said she would not give up the fight.

She added, I'm going to appeal to the magistrates courts to overturn the decision because I am not applying for a licence for lap dancers and strippers, I am applying for a public entertainment licence. "Lap dancing was just something I thought might be required for hen and stag nights, and I would not be holding more than six of these a year."

Mrs Jayne, who has the support of a rival petition signed by 230 sympathetic customers, said "It is very frustrating that the villagers are being so bloody-minded about it. They claim I am bringing the village into disrepute. "Sleepy old Bere Regis wants to stay in the 16th century."

But villagers also said they would dispute any appeal. Mum-of-three Alison Bennet, 40 who runs a community drop-in centre opposite the Royal Oak, said: We are very pleased with the result. "We realise there will be an appeal butt we won't just leave it at that.

"We are a village in the heart of Thomas Hardy country where people side by side, year in year out, with great community spirit. "It could damage village life forever and people won't stand for it. "The pub already advertises sexual cocktail drinks called things like Multiple Orgasm and Sex On The Beach. "It is simply not acceptable."
   
No one from Purbeck District Council was available to comment.