Supporting the hype for the London Playboy Store

Based on an article from Bin the Bunny 

Playboy Enterprises are opening a ‘concept’ store in London this September.

The shop will open on Oxford Street in September and sell the usual Playboy merchandise and will have a room where they will show Playboy archive footage.

Nutters from the London branch of Anti-Porn UK have launched a campaign against the opening of the Playboy store, Bin the Bunny.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness through protests, a series of short films and lobbying.

The London Playboy Store on Oxford Street is the 8th retail store in the world dedicated to Playboy, and joins the likes of stores in Las Vegas, Tokyo, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Auckland.

The store will feature a 6m-wide spiral staircase linking the lower ground, ground and first floors. Playboy will occupy all five floors of the 19th century Dutch-gabled building, using two levels as office space.

   
Not even a Playboy magazine in the Playboy Store

Perhaps even Charliegrrl would appove

From Product Reviews see full article 

Playboy’s global flagship store has opened in London and has surprised many shoppers.

Expecting the unexpected when they stepped in the store, they realised that there was nothing in there that would make your grandmother blush in the words of the Playboy press officer.

Everyone expected the Playboy boutique to be packed to the rafters with whips, handcuffs and of course, rampant rabbits but shoppers were surprised when they saw a whole lot of bunny-branded clothes, accessories and homeware.

Inside, the shop looks like any other glamorous clothes shop along Oxford street, the only difference? The prominent Playboy logo than adorns every item - from the £600 diamante-encrusted leather jacket to the pink tracksuit bottoms and the leopard print cushions.

The underwear section doesn’t get any more racy than what you’d find in Marks and Spencer and if you’re looking for a bunny girl outfit, you’re going to be disappointed.

   
Nutters picket London Playboy Store

Based on an article from Bin the Bunny 

Only two days after its official launch, the Playboy store in Oxford Street was subject to a demonstration by the Bin The Bunny campaign.

Nutters picketed the store from 12 to 6pm on Saturday 29th September and handed out hundreds of leaflets, postcards, stickers and Playboy quizzes with information about Playboy Enterprises. The main aim for the day was to raise awareness amongst the public about the pornography behind the Playboy brand and bunny logo.

Nutters noted that the new Playboy store did not attract much custom. Whether this was due to the protest or simply down to shoppers not taking an interest in the store and its merchandise remains to be seen.

   
Nutters celebrate sex shop licence refusal

Based on an article from This is Total Essex  see full article

Plans for a licensed sex shop in North Hutton, Brentwood have been rejected by the local council.

Nutters supported by the local rag, The Gazette, claimed that Brentwood's first sex shop would attract "undesirables" and undo vital community work tackling the anti-social behaviour plaguing the area.

Leading critic Cllr Louise Monnickendam said: This has been a battle won for decency and for residents living in the area - particularly those young and elderly. I didn't want to see people who were going to go down there for perverse reasons. Not everyone is an undesirable, but a shop like this will attract them if it is there.

Addressing the Brentwood Borough Council planning meeting on Monday night, she had argued the shop could have left surrounding paths - including a cut-through leading from the shop's home on the Tallon Road industrial estate - littered with the remnants of sexual deviancy.

Monday night's no-vote from Brentwood borough councillors follows a failed bid in 2004 for a sex shop close to Brentwood railway station.

129 Brook Street
Chester
CH1 3DU

   
Egypt buries our heads in the sand

From Nice 'n' Naughty

A Warrington businessman hoping to build an adult lingerie store in Egypt has made international headlines.

Simon Prescott, managing director of Nice ‘n’ Naughty, was at the centre of a major AVN story after revealing how planning officers in Sharm El Sheikh responded to his initial enquiries.

The matter came up while Mr Prescott, whose company is living up to its Investors in People status, was overseeing the development of a villa to be used by all 41 employees from his 11-store business empire as a reward for their hard work.

He approached one of the planning officers on the construction site asking for his opinion on opening a sex shop in Sharm El Sheik.

Mr Prescott said I didn’t know whether to laugh or drive away very quickly when the officer said, ‘If you want to be buried alive in the middle of the desert with only your head sticking out for the eagles to pluck out your eyes, then yes my friend, go ahead and good luck’.

While his plans to expand the business overseas have been put temporarily on hold Mr Prescott says his UK stores are committed to promoting public awareness of changes in the adult industry and eliminating the stigma associated with adult shops.

   
Reduced profits at Ann Summers

From The Telegraph see full article

Profits at lingerie and sex toys retailer Ann Summers halved last year - despite an ambitious expansion plan.

Accounts filed at Companies House earlier this month reveal that in the 12 months ended June 2006, pre-tax profits fell to £1.53m, down from £3m the year before.

Sales fell from £117m to £110m over the same period despite the opening of 12 new stores.

Jacqueline Gold recently announced ambitious plans to expand Ann Summers into Europe as the retailer faces increasing competition on the high street, with chemists such as Superdrug and Boots selling a limited range of sex toys.

   
Belfast council refuse sex shop licenses and then persecute resulting unlicensed trade

Based on an press release from DETI  see full article

A Belfast sex shop owner was fined a total of £2000 at Belfast Magistrates' Court for offences under the Video Recordings Act.

In two cases, brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Brian Hope, trading as 'Naughty Butt Nice' at 2 Smithfield Square, Belfast and as 'Gresham Bookshop' at 2 Gresham Street, Belfast, pleaded guilty to sixteen charges under the Act.

Mr Connor, Resident Magistrate, imposed a £2000 fine in relation to two charges and gave a conditional discharge for three years for each of the remaining fourteen charges.

In June 2006, as part of a Trading Standards Service exercise into the trading practices of the adult entertainment outlets, commonly referred to as sex shops, in the centre of Belfast, trading standards officers visited the premises of 'Naughty Butt Nice' and the 'Gresham Bookshop'.

Over 500 videos and DVDs were seized, either because they were unclassified or were marked with an 'R18' classification. Hope was not in possession of a sex shop licence.

The court also agreed to a forfeiture order in respect of the seized items.

   
Rights abusing council persecutes sex shops

Based on an article from u.tv  see full article

Sex shop opponents demanded tougher punishments today after six outlets in central Belfast were fined a total of £3,000 for operating without licences.

Magistrates ordered the owners to pay up in cases brought by the City Council.

Kevin Robinson and Ian Oglesby, trading as Private Lines and Perfect Pleasures respectively, were each fined £500. Sharman Enterprises received the same penalty for separate premises trading as Miss Tique and Private. Belfast Magistrates` Court also imposed two £500 fines on Brian Hope, trading as Naughty Butt Nice and Gresham Book Shop.

The prosecutions followed the House of Lords earlier this year backing the City Council`s decision not to grant a sex shop licence.

Jim Kirkpatrick, a DUP councillor who chairs the authority`s Licensing Committee, said: It`s a bit of a joke. Porn videos can be purchased for one euro in Amsterdam and will sell in this country for £50. [yeah yeah]

Kirkpatrick questioned whether the courts knew just how much money can be made through the porn business: Perhaps if they were they would adjust their penalties to be in line with what`s required.

[Perhaps the magistrates suspected that the council had refused to grant any at all licenses on moral grounds, which is of course illegal].

   
Rights campaigner vs rights abuser

Thanks to Ian

If you have access to BBC Radio Ulster, the Nolan Show on Monday should feature a skirmish of sex shop proprietor, Ian Brown, against the machine, in the shape of the councillor who made the comments against the fines being too low in Belfast.

Update: Prudishness in Belfast

8th July

Based on an article from the The Sunday Business Post

Belfast’s sex-shops, all of whom trade illegally, look set to move from their downtown locations to an industrial estate on the edge of the city, following a House of Lords decision to uphold the city council’s refusal to license the shops.

The council maintains that the shops must be at least 500 yards from churches, schools and residential areas.

But with huge legal bills, and the threat of a hefty fine for continued trading, Gresham Street’s sex shops now look likely to move to Duncrue industrial estate, en masse.

That means that Belfast would be the first city in Ireland with a designated zone for sex shops.

The decision follows news that Newtownabbey Council, ironically one of the most conservative in the North, recently granted a licence to a sex shop in Mallusk industrial estate, on the outskirts of north Belfast.

A city council source said applications for sex shops in industrial estates would be looked at with an ‘‘open mind’’.

‘People are under the misapprehension that our decisions are based on prudishness; that is not the case, said the source.

Comment: Sexclusion Zones

From Alan

Fascinating idea - not allowing sex shops within 500 yards of schools and churches.

Couldn't this be turned around? I think it would be an excellent idea to ban schools and churches within 500 yards of sex shops. Then punters wouldn't be disturbed during their deliberations on which mucky video to buy by the sound of out-of-tune hymn-sing or squealing ankle biters in the playground.

   
Council may be taken to European Court

From the Belfast Telegraph see full article

A Belfast sex shop is set to square up against the city council in court again next month.

For the long running legal bust up between Smithfield adult entertainment outlet Miss Behavin' and Belfast City Council is set for its latest chapter at the Magistrates' Court next month.

Last week, the sex shop licence saga, which has been running since May 2002, was adjourned until September 4. The reason given in court was that the defence was "not ready to proceed" with the case to face a charge of using premises as a sex establishment without a licence.

Last month, Sunday Life revealed that the owner of the Gresham Street outlet is investigating the possibility of taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

It is believed that they have until October 25, 2007 to lodge an application with the European Court.

   
First Northern Ireland sex shop licencee

From the Belfast Telegraph see full article

One Ulsterman supplies stock for most of the sex shops throughout Ireland. He has also recently obtained the first ever licence for a legal sex shop in the province.

David Christie runs CBC Distribution, which is Ireland's only cash and carry distributor of goods for adult shops. He also owns the only licence for a sex shop in Ulster, recently granted to him by Newtownabbey Borough Council for his Mallusk base.

This means that in addition to his wholesale business, selling stock to more than 40 adult stores across Ireland, members of the public can now walk through the front door and purchase over the counter a wide array of sex toys, lingerie and 'R18' films.

In reality, most of what is in David's shop is not at all shocking and, porn films aside, similar to what you might find in any Ann Summers shop on the high street. There are various lines in lingerie, PVC and rubber outfits and a range of novelty adult gifts which would be popular for hen and stag nights. As you move further into the shop the shelves stock multiple condoms and lubricants as well as sex toys. Right at the back are the magazines and DVDs.

The battle for legitimacy for the sex retail industry in Ulster has been difficult.

Belfast City Council has turned down a series of applications for licences for sex shops in the city centre and recently won a case in the House of Lords which ruled it was not a contravention of a sex shop owner's human rights to deny a licence. The council has followed up this court victory with a string of prosecutions against a number of adult entertainment outlets which operate without a licence. Councillors have argued that the city centre is not a suitable location for sex shops.

However, David Christie has managed to sidestep many of these difficulties with a simple solution. Because his shop is in an industrial estate the argument that innocent people who happen to be passing can be corrupted is negated. His shop is so remote and inconspicuous that it would be virtually impossible to find by accident.

David believes what he has done has opened the way for sex shops across Northern Ireland. I believe this opens doors. Up to now councils have always had legal arguments for turning people down.

I think it will lead the way for other councils and others might look at the idea of having it in an industrial estate. There could be lots more applications and lots more sex shops opening up. You could have legal sex shops in most towns in a few years.

   
Councillors commit the crime, shopkeepers get the fine

Belfast council refuse to give licenses seemingly without adequate justification, then they blame the shops for trading without a licence.

Based on an article from the 4NI.co.uk see full article

The owner of Belfast sex shop, Misstique, has been fined a total of £546 at Belfast Magistrates' Court for offences under the Video Recordings Act.

In a case brought by Trading SubStandards, Christopher Hallam, who trades as Misstique at 27 Gresham Street, Belfast, today pleaded guilty to eight charges under the Act.

On 19 June 2006, Trading Standards Officers visited the premises of Misstique as part of an exercise into the trading practices of sex shops in the centre of Belfast.

Over 300 DVDs and videos were seized, either because they were unclassified or were marked with an R18 classification.

DVDs and videos are required to be marked with a classification and those marked with an R18 classification can only be sold in a licensed sex shop. Hallam was not in possession of such a license.

The court also agreed to a forfeiture order in respect of the video tapes and DVDs, which had been seized.

129 Brook Street (Near train station)
Chester
CH1 3DU

Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm
Sun 10am-5pm

contact: Simon and Trish
Tel:  08707 427261

   
Nice 'n' Naughty, Adult Retailer of the Year

Congratulations to our sponsors Nice 'n' Naughty

From Nice 'n' Naughty

Champage corks have been popping for the UK’s fastest growing adult store after it firm claimed the Retailer of the Year title for the third year running.

There were cries of delight from the team and the loudest cheer of the evening from the audience as the Nice N Naughty team rushed to collect the sought after prize at the Erotic Trade Only (ETO) awards, held at Birmingham NEC.

The rapidly expanding company, which has grown from humble beginnings in Chester to an 11-store business empire, beat off competition from five other short listed companies to seize the title and company directors Simon Prescott and Trish Murray are thrilled at winning.

It’s absolutely incredible, said Simon: I was so nervous, it’s the most sought after award, like the best film category at the Oscars. The tension was unbelievable and when they read out our name I just couldn’t believe it. To have won it twice was fantastic but to get the treble is unheard of.

The award is voted for by the industry itself and it’s the second time Nice ‘n’ Naughty, which is the only adult store accredited with the prestigious Investor in People Award, has beaten, amongst others, high street retailer Anne Summers to the coveted title.

Trish added: It’s such an achievement to think where we are today from where we started eight years ago to the day next week. When we opened the Chester branch on July 31st 1999 we really, really struggled but the public’s attitude has changed. This award is voted for by the industry itself its great to know we are so well respected and acknowledged by our peers. But it demonstrates the high quality of our modern and appealing stores and also our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

   
Nutters protest at licence renewal but website readers think otherwise

Thanks to Claude & 'contact al - the punters pal'
Based on an article from Halifax Courier s

A supposed volley of protest has been lodged against a Halifax sex shop's attempts to renew its licence.

Several people have sent letters to Calderdale Council, demanding that Temptations, at 51 Crown Street, be closed down.

They claim it is a danger to society, encourages crime and disorder and harms children. But former licensing committee chairman Grenville Horsfall said there had been no problems with the business since it was first licensed in 2004 and no objections from police.

Most people walking past would not even give it a second glance, said Councillor Horsfall

Temptations director Alan Brook of Manchester, people were entitled to their opinions about sex shops.

However, it is not my intention to upset residents and if there are any problems I can rectify I will do so.

In letter to the council, one objector said: I am a Bible-believing person and consider sex, in a married relationship of one man and one woman, should be sacred, fulfilling and unique.

Another attacked the "damage" the shop could have on teenagers. It said: I consider it harmful for children to be exposed to this type of establishment within shopping areas of town, especially as many young teenage girls like to browse shops.

The letters are among 10 in a report to the licensing committee which meets on Monday. The licence for Temptations, which costs £2,191, was renewed in 2005 without objection and again last year.

Update: Where's the fun gone out of life?

Based on an article from Halifax Courier see full article

Courier website readers have rushed to the defence of a sex shop which wants to renew its licence.

Since we reported a protest lodged against the attempts of Temptations at 51, Crown Street, Halifax, to have its licence renewed, we have been inundated with comments from readers.

Over 60 messages were posted on our website yesterday, and our website vote – should we allow licensed sex shops in Halifax – returned a verdict of 73% in favour. More than 200 readers voted.

NHSHaron posted a message saying: Some people need to get back to the real world, what difference is this shop going to make? Do people think their innocent little children aren't going to get all this from the internet and friends. Are the Anne Summers shops going to be closed down too? Where's the fun gone out of life?

Dave1986 said: What is all the fuss over the sex shop in Halifax? It's not offensive or rude. Sex is a part of everyone's lives. These people need to stop being uptight and relax.

Update: Renewed

July 10th

See also Halifax Courier see full article

Just come out of the Council meeting at Halifax. We've had another positive result despite some opposition.

Most things that are wrong with sex shops can be put right but surely they could not be held responsible for everything from "murder" to "breach of public safety" as was implied by the nutters.

Press reports to follow...

As always, Al says FREE ALE to all farmers in the Sparking Clog for
tonight's Tuesday Club!

   
Halifax council ignores nutter temptations

Thanks to Claude & 'contact al - the punters pal'

Just come out of the Council meeting at Halifax. We've had another positive result despite some opposition.

Most things that are wrong with sex shops can be put right but surely they could not be held responsible for everything from "murder" to "breach of public safety" as was implied by the nutters.

Press reports to follow...

As always, Al says FREE ALE to all farmers in the Sparking Clog for
tonight's Tuesday Club!

Pulse & Cocktails
M1 Junction 33
Canklow Meadows Industrial Estate
Rotherham
S60 2XL

Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm
Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun & Bank hols: 11am-5pm
 
Closed only Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Easter Sunday

shop details at
www.pulseandcocktails.co.uk 

   
Rotherham's Pulse & Cocktails will provide refuge in case of floods

From Pulse & Cocktails

Pulse & Cocktails would like to announce that their 7,000 Sq Ft premises in Rotherham have just been assessed by the Police as a potential place of refuge for local residents should the floods worsen in the area.

In the event of a crisis people might have to take refuge at the premises of nearby businesses; the local sex-shop superstore being one of them!

Pulse & Cocktails would like to express their genuine offer of help by making the store a place of sanctuary if necessary.

In the event of such an emergency please head for the building as shown.

For those refugees who may be offended by sexually explicit material free blindfolds will be provided.

   
Objecting to sex shop licence for industrial unit in the sticks with no retail!

Based on an article from Your Local Guardian see full article

Objections have been raised over plans for a mail order sex shop' business to be based at an industrial unit in North Weald.

Shazad Ahmed is seeking permission from Epping Forest District Council for a licence to operate a sex shop' at the unit at Chase Farm, Vicarage Lane East.

However the application - which states that no personal customers will be allowed - is being opposed by the village's two district councillors who are concerned at the amount of lorry traffic, delivering stock and collecting orders, that the new use would attract.

Council officers have raised no objection to the application which will be discussed by the district council's licensing committee on Thursday, July 5.

North Weald nutter councillors Dave Stallan and Anne Grigg are concerned at the traffic which will be associated with the use. [yeah yeah...it is an industrial unit]

Grigg added: There is a right of way alongside the access road which has been used by children taking a short cut to the primary school.

Update: Green Light

13th July

Epping Forest District Council's licensing sub-committee has given the green light to a mail order sex warehouse run by Shazad Ahmed at a business unit at Chase Farm. Vicarage Lane, on the grounds that it will not be open to the public.

   
Cherry Pie hit by graffiti

Based on an article from Northern Echo see full article

A Darlington sex shop has had graffiti daubed on its walls by vandals opposed to its presence. The exterior of Cherry Pie, on King Street, has had Get out ya not wanted sprayed on its walls.

The shop has not been welcomed in the town. Another sex shop, Adults Only, paid for a public notice in The Northern Echo, which read: Does Darlington need another sex shop? Sunderland has none and apparently no other town in the North-East has more than three.

Cherry Pie is the fourth adult store in Darlington town centre - but its joint owner, Jez Grant, said he did want to be involved in squabbles: We were upset by the graffiti. We don't want to get involved in battles with other stores - it's not what were about - but we were upset.

Grant said that the market would decide which shops prospered. Cherry Pie sells costumes, lingerie, and novelty items, and hopes to gain a licence to sell DVDs soon.

The council covered up the graffiti and will have it painted over. The police confirmed yesterday they are investigating. There are at least four security cameras that could cover the vandalised wall.