'˜There's absolutely no evidence' '“ Lap dancing firm hits out over '˜prostitution' claims at Portsmouth clubs

Paul Ojla – who runs Elegance, in Granada Road, Southsea, and Wiggle, in Surrey Street, Landport – has defended the reputation of his businesses.

It comes after they came under fire during a licensing committee meeting, which saw both venues being granted a sexual entertainment premises licence by city councillors.

Charlie Dacke was among those to speak out against Mr Ojla’s bid during the hearing at Portsmouth Guildhall.

In a consultation, 94 people objected to the licence application, she said, adding there were concerns over the impact the clubs could have on future crime rates and safety of vulnerable people in the area.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Dacke added: ‘I spoke to a former dancer from Elegance who said, at the time she was working there, at least four of the women were involved in prostitution as well and were working for local escort agencies.’

Objector Caroline Storey added: ‘Are sexual entertainment venues something we want to be known for? We’re a naval city, we have an international ferry port, do we want to feed into the stereotype of being a seedy city with sex clubs being dotted around?’

Mr Ojla refuted the claims. Solicitor Jon Wallsgrove, speaking on behalf of the businessman, said: ‘It’s absolutely, adamantly denied that prostitution has ever taken place at either of these premises and there is absolutely no evidence before you today to say that it has.

‘It’s highly likely that any allegation that has been made about prostitution is certainly a false one.’

Councillors also rejected the claims, saying there was no evidence and granted the licences to both premises.

They added Hampshire police had raised no objections over the impact the venues could have on crime in the city.

Nor was the committee persuaded that the sites would impact the character of the areas they are located in.

Mrs Dacke said Portsmouth had a ‘nil’ policy on sexual entertainment venues, which was agreed in 2013. It means no new strip joints should be approved.

She urged the council to follow this policy in determining the licence bid.

However, Mr Wallsgrove told councillors his client’s venues did not fall into this law as they came into effect during a transitional period in 2012.

Elegance is currently closed. Mr Ojla hopes to re-open the venue in Albert Road, Southsea. A meeting to determine this will be held later this year.