Download open letter - Chelt Fems

Dear Sir/ Madam
Violence Against Women and Girls is a disease that infects all societies at all
levels, and we each have a duty to acknowledge and tackle it.
It is with this in mind that we urge readers to consider the impact of CBC’s
decision to allow sexual entertainment venues in Cheltenham town centre.
CBC are due to meet on 13th October to discuss Sexual Entertainment
Licensing. There is a large body of research that suggests that there is an
increase in reports of sexual violence in the immediate vicinity of clubs that
provide sexual entertainment. The area surrounding sexual entertainment
venues often become ‘no go’ areas for women and girls; it is unacceptable that
the right of men to buy sexual entertainment should be prioritised above
women and girls’ right to walk without being harassed.
As reported by The Gloucestershire Echo, during the recent consultation there
was overwhelming public support for a ban on the granting of Sexual
Entertainment Venue Licenses.
It must be stated, that our objection does not come from a prudish distaste but
rather from the simple belief that such forms of sexual entertainment are
sexist. We do not condemn those who for whatever reason sell sexual
entertainment, our criticism is reserved for the structures that perpetuate such
inequality.
More superficially, allowing SEV’s will tarnish the image of the town. At time
when even The Sun is considering scrapping Page 3 as an anachronistic
reminder of a less enlightened time, allowing sexual entertainment venues to
open will serve to render Cheltenham a backward, sleazy stag party
destination.
In 2010 CBC opted to adopt a new form of licensing. As a consequence, CBC
now have more power than ever before to reject and limit Sexual
Entertainment Venue licences. Our council have the opportunity to set a ‘nil’
limit for the granting of SEV licenses and in doing so take a stand against
sexism. We urge readers, and CBC directly, to make the right decision and help
keep our town free from sexual entertainment venues.
Yours faithfully,
Cllr Flo Clucas
Cllr Klara Sudbury
Chelt Fems
Cheltenham Town Ladies FC
GRASAC (Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre)
University of Gloucestershire Feminist Society
Soroptomists Cheltenham
Trinity Cheltenham