Lap dancing club makes fresh licence application

A Halifax lap dancing club's application to renew its licence to operate as a sexual entertainment venue is under consideration by the council.

Calderdale licensing councillors will assess the application from La Salsa on Silver Street at a meeting on 13 April.

The club's licence renewal was refused last year amid concerns from campaigners about its impact on the local area, but remained open following an impasse over a legal appeal against the decision.

Club owner Reza Shahsavar told councillors the club had operated for 21 years at the premises without incident.

A Calderdale Council spokesperson said La Salsa's appeal was settled by agreement between the parties due to uncertainty about the jurisdiction of the magistrates' court to hear the appeal, and that the club could remain open pending this fresh application.

Councillor Joe Thompson and two colleagues from the Town ward objected to the licence renewal on the grounds that Halifax town centre had changed too significantly to accommodate such an establishment.

Thompson's argument echoed two other objections questioning the club's location in light of new housing at the Bolt Works, the Trinity Sixth Form Centre and the recent opening of Willow Dean, a special educational needs and disabilities community school.

West Yorkshire Police have made no representations on the new application.

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee were told by the council's community safety team that officers made six unannounced visits during the last year, including "walk-throughs".

Officers said staff at La Salsa "demonstrated a generally co-operative approach", particularly in compliance with Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) licensing conditions.

The force said: "While some administrative issues were observed, the premises have engaged well with officers, responded positively to advice, and implemented corrective measures.

"As of February 2026, the premises are deemed to be fully compliant with the SEV licence and there are no ongoing concerns."

Officers told the licensing councillors that they could not make a decision on moral grounds, only on local and national licensing policies.

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