A VIRTUAL ban on sex clubs in London Borough of Hounslow has been introduced.

New rules making it almost impossible for strip clubs, or other erotic establishments, to open in Hounslow were unanimously approved at Tuesday’s borough council meeting.

The ‘appropriate limit’ for sex clubs has been set as zero, meaning anyone wishing to open one must justify why the council should depart from its zero-tolerance policy.

Previously, the onus was on residents, councillors and other authorities to prove why a strip club should not be allowed to open.

Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: “This is
the most action we can take to discourage these types of venues from applying to open in this borough.

“We want this borough to be a haven for families and I think this supports that.”

The new rules are similar to those already in place in neighbouring Ealing. They were put in place after the council there found itself powerless in 2010 to prevent a strip club opening in the old Riley’s snooker club, at the western end of Hounslow High Street, despite a huge petition.

The strip club eventually closed last year when the owners were denied a new sexual entertainment venue licence, and the building is now home to the nightclub Club K.