Cinema at swingers club approved by council

An adults-only club in Derby has been granted a licence for its cinema, despite an objection being lodged with the city council.

The owner of The Attic Experience, which describes itself as a swingers club and "the ultimate social playground for adults", said the cinema was a key part of the venue and he had feared the business might have had to close if the licence was refused.

Derbyshire Police raised no objections to the licence being granted but said it had agreed a set of special conditions with the club.

Owner Ron Rothwell said he was "relieved and excited" by the decision and said it would allow the club to expand.

The Ascot Drive club has had a presence in the city for more than 20 years, having recently moved from premises off Osmaston Road.

It is believed the cinema has been operating at the venue for some time and a licence application was submitted to the council's general licensing sub-committee on 22 December.

One objection had been received, with concerns including staff training, CCTV police and parking.

However Derbyshire Police's licensing inspector Daniel Handley-Farrell told the hearing that the force raised no objections, that thorough checks had been carried out on the applicant [Rothwell] and his representatives and that no relevant matters had been identified.

Handley-Farrell also stated there was "no evidence of crime, disorder or nuisance at the premises, but the police would continue to monitor the establishment in the same way that all other regulated venues are monitored".

Speaking after the licence had been granted, Rothwell told the BBC he was "relieved and excited", adding the club could now move forward with "lots more to come".

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