Why lap dancing and 'sex entertainment' clubs could become a thing of the past

Licensed sex entertainment venues like lap dancing clubs and strip joints could disappear from Preston after the city council applied to be officially recognised as part of the campaign to end male violence against women and girls.

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The authority has launched a bid to be accredited by the 'White Ribbon' charity - a move that means it will have to develop an action plan setting out how it intends to meet the aims of the initiative, which include tackling "harmful attitudes, behaviours and systems around rigid gender norms".

A template plan for councils seeking White Ribbon status suggests they commit to carrying out "a review" of their sexual entertainment licensing policyand "work towards a presumption against" allowing establishments of that nature.

Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown welcomed that prospect, telling a recent meeting of the authority that there was "a question mark in this day and age" about their presence.