Honeypot lap dancing club faces objections to licence renewal

A bid to renew the sexual entertainment venue licence (SEV) at The Honeypot lap dancing club in Maidenhead is once again facing objections and will go before a Royal Borough panel next week.

The club, in Queen Street, made headlines in May 2024 when its licence application – which must be made annually – was refused by councillors who felt the venue was inappropriate in an area which had seen an increase in residential developments.

The developers behind the One Maidenhead housing project next door were among the objectors.

But the club’s then-owner, John Sennett, argued there hadn’t been any objections upheld in its 25-year history and that Queen Street is designated an entertainment area and therefore The Honeypot was in an appropriate location.

After the licence was refused, Mr Sennett launched a legal challenge, which the council ‘decided not to defend’.

The club was allowed to reopen in October 2024, and was subsequently taken over by Admiral Bars (Maidenhead) Ltd.

The company is now looking to renew the SEV licence but is once against facing opposition from the One Maidenhead developers.

In its submission, Ryger Maidenhead Limited, said: “Our [residential] development has changed the centre of Maidenhead for the better, and this use is now inappropriate for this location given more residents and young families are living in immediate proximity.”

The letter argued that potential commercial occupiers looking to move into the development may be put off by the ‘anti-social use’ of The Honeypot.

Cllr Jack Douglas, an independent councillor for St Mary’s, also objected and said the application is ‘inappropriate’ when considering the surrounding area has become predominantly residential over the last few years.

Cllr Douglas said: “It is quite normal and appropriate to exclude sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) from residential areas, for example Reading and Oxford do.”

Objections from other residents argued the venue would ‘diminish the quality of life’ in the town, and that the club ‘isn’t appropriate on a gateway route’ from the railway station.

The application does not propose any changes to the club’s current hours or conditions.

The renewal application will therefore be discussed at a licensing and public space protection order (PSPO) subcommittee meeting on Monday, January 12.

The Honeypot has been contacted for further comment.