Lap dancing club applies for new license

La Salsa, a Halifax lap dancing club, has applied for a new licence to continue its operations. Calderdale Council will review the application at a meeting on April 13, 2026, assessing compliance with local regulations and past inspection records.

The Calderdale Council is in the process of reviewing a new application for a sexual entertainment venue licence submitted by La Salsa, a lap dancing club located on Silver Street in Halifax. The application aims to allow the club to continue its operations legally under the framework of local regulations.

Upcoming Council Assessment

The council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee will assess the application at a scheduled meeting on 13 April 2026. This follows a previous licence renewal refusal last year, which arose from concerns raised by local campaigners about the club's impact on the surrounding area. Despite the prior refusal, La Salsa remained operational while pursuing legal clarifications regarding the appeal process. The club has maintained continuous operations for approximately twenty years, under the management of Reza Shahsavars, adhering to legal requirements without significant disruption.

A spokesperson for Calderdale Council explained that the previous appeal was resolved through mutual agreement due to uncertainties regarding the magistrates' court's jurisdiction over the appeal. As a result, the club was permitted to continue its activities while the current licence application is under review.

Community Concerns

During discussions, several council members, including Ward Thompson, expressed apprehensions about the licence extension. Their concerns focus on the transformation of Halifax's downtown area and the potential compatibility of the club with its evolving community environment. Key points noted by council members include:

• Proximity to newly developed housing at the Bolt Works.
• Nearby educational institutions, such as Trinity Sixth Form Centre.
• Impact on Willow Dean, a facility supporting students with specialized educational needs.

Local police, specifically West Yorkshire Police, did not provide formal input on the application, resulting in a noted absence of official commentary from law enforcement.

Inspection and Compliance

La Salsa underwent several inspections over the past year, with council officers conducting six visits to ensure adherence to SEV licensing requirements. Observations during these inspections included:

• Cooperation between the club's staff and council officers during checks.
• Compliance with all permit-related operational standards.
• Prompt resolution of minor administrative issues identified during visits.

As of February 2026, the premises have been confirmed as fully compliant with SEV licensing regulations, with no outstanding concerns reported.

Decision-Making Process

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee emphasized that its decision must align strictly with both local and national licensing policies. Officers clarified that moral objections or subjective concerns from the public cannot influence the outcome of the application. The current request represents an opportunity for the council to determine whether La Salsa satisfies all regulatory requirements for ongoing operation as a sexual entertainment venue.

Sources:

• Lap dancing club makes fresh licence application - AOL
• More use of my story on La Salsa's key licence application - X
• Halifax's La Salsa lap dancing club has had its sexual entertainment licence renewed - Facebook
• Lap dancing club makes fresh licence application