A city centre lap-dancing club has been allowed to re-open despite concerns from the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Hippodrome that it is 'inappropriate'.
It was argued that the objection to Scarlets, at Horse Fair, from the two neighbouring firms was based on a 'moral' opposition to strip clubs generally as opposed to legitimate concerns.
Birmingham City Council's Licensing and Public Protection Committee approved the application for the club's licence to be renewed today (Wednesday, November 21).
Sarah Clover, the barrister representing Scarlets, said: "What is really being said is that the Royal Ballet and Hippodrome are purveyors of a higher quality of artistry and entertainment than an SEV (Sexual entertainment venue).
"That is a moral judgement and objection because the fact of the matter is SEVs are lawful and people are allowed to access entertainment in an SEV."
She added: "The fact is there are people in our city who would not choose to go to the ballet or theatre and would go to an SEV.
Below: Where are all the venues in Birmingham with Sexual Entertainment Venue licences?
"You then get into the deep water as to whether it should be allowed.
"An objection based on that judgement should not affect a decision making exercise like this."
Both the Hippodrome and Birmingham Royal Ballet objected to Scarlets opening in 2011.
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The club has been closed at certain periods since then due to numerous issues and has not traded since April this year, although it had been operating since September 2017 until then.
Manager Michelle Monaghan, who also runs Cyclone Club on Broad Street, said there had been staffing issues in recent months, particular with bar staff, but in the main there had been structural problems with the building.
She added the issues had now been resolved and the venue was 'ready to go'.
Ms Clover further argued that there was no reason to refuse the renewal application because nothing had changed since Scarlets first opened seven years ago.
But Peter Evans, commercial director at Birmingham Hippodrome, countered saying they were currently building a new £4m dance hub on the roof of the theatre, which would attract thousands of extra children and young people per year.
Whilst Oliver Drain, health, safety, facilities and risk manager, at Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: "We don't feel an SEV is appropriate in that area due to the amount of children and young adults we have in the area and our building.
"The changes to the locality include the introduction of the new dance hub which is being designed to make Birmingham the hub globally, for dance."
The meeting was briefly adjourned while the committee deliberated over a Google Street View image which showed people could see into the club's smoking area from the street.
However Mrs Monaghan dismissed it as dated, saying that screening had since been put up.
Nevertheless the committee made it a condition of granting the renewal that visibility to the area was blocked thoroughly.
The also called for a wider report around new developments in the area which will be considered the next time the licence needs to be renewed
