Blackpool swingers club with 11,000 members and 19 themed rooms wins licence battle
A swingers club with more than 11,000 members, 19 themed rooms, a dungeon and sauna has won its battle for a long-term alcohol and entertainment licence.
A swingers club boasting more than 11,000 members, a dungeon, sauna and 19 themed rooms has won its battle for a long-term alcohol and entertainment licence.
Club Play in Blackpool had faced opposition from police over security arrangements as bosses sought permission to serve alcohol and play music until 3am at weekends.The private members’ venue, tucked away on Back Ribble Road, caters for couples and singles and includes a heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, cinema and a string of specialist “play” areas.
Its online community has more than 11,000 members.
But its licence application sparked a row with Lancashire Police, who wanted the club to employ an SIA-registered door supervisor from 10pm until closing on Friday and Saturday nights.
The club argued it was very different from a conventional pub or nightclub and said compulsory weekend security could cost around £10,400 a year.
Licensing agent Mark Marshall said the venue was deliberately discreet, had no prominent signs and did not rely on passing trade.
The application sought permission to sell alcohol from noon until midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Live and recorded music would also be allowed until midnight during the week and 3am at weekends.
Police had told Blackpool Council they believed extra conditions were necessary to prevent crime, disorder and public nuisance. The club instead proposed carrying out its own risk assessments to decide when door supervisors were needed.
The venue’s licensing application also includes CCTV requirements, Challenge 25 age checks and rules requiring customers to leave quietly.
Club Play is run by Innuendo Limited, with director Paul Bevon named as the proposed designated premises supervisor.
The club describes itself as a venue for “like-minded” adults, with facilities ranging from lounge and bar areas to couples-only spaces and a dungeon.
The original case was reported by the Blackpool Gazette.