Club Imperial drops plans for strippers
Published: 12 February 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB
CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating the withdrawal of plans to have strippers perform at the former home of Islington Labour Party and Finsbury Park’s radical Red Rose comedy club.
But owner Altarslan Bali, who has named the venue Club Imperial, has said he is considering lodging a new application with Islington Council. Mr Bali says he does not wish to turn the venue into a strip club but does want permission to host strippers at private stag nights. He is to speak to his solicitor about his next move.
He said the campaign against his club had upset him because some objectors had not complained to him.
Finsbury Park Labour councillor Phil Kelly said: “This is a victory for the community. We collected signatures on a petition against the application and dozens of people objected.
“It’s clear that council licensing policies would never have allowed this activity. Club Imperial is in a residential area and close to schools and places of worship.
“Labour councillors played a role in mobilising public opinion and we had the strong support of MP Jeremy Corbyn, but, above all, local people have to be congratulated for standing up for their rights. We will keep a close eye out for any similar applications in future.”