While campaigners rejoiced, there was a backlash from businesses, some of which were forced to close virtually overnight. Names like Deep Blue, Red Leopard and Wildcats all closed but Silks, Liberte and Purple Door survived the axe.
Two of the closed venues even attempted legal action, but a High Court judge concluded that the authority had acted fairly and rationally.
The council policy states that “the appropriate number of sexual entertainment venues in the city centre is a maximum of four, providing these premises are not near properties with sensitive uses or in sensitive locations”. Areas designated as “sensitive” can include schools, residential neighbourhoods, women’s refuges, cinemas and places of worship.
Currently, there are three lap dancing clubs trading in Leeds city centre. Here are some of the sexual entertainment venues that have closed over the last 15 years- and what’s replaced them.
13. Blue Coyote now
Demolition of the building was recently completed and work has now started to build the foundations of the nine-storey Straits Aire student accommodation scheme. The 32,000 square foot building will have 88 boutique en-suite studios, including four rooms designed for those with disabilities and two premium suites. Photo: Urban Group (York) Ltd
14. DV8
DV8 was a lap-dancing venue and wine bar located under the railway arch in Lower Briggate, popular in the early 2000s. It had closed down by 2011. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
15. The Stone Roses Bar
The venue is now home to The Stone Roses Bar, a late-night venue which plays guitar-fuelled indie hits - dubbed the ‘ultimate Leeds indie bar’. Photo: Google