A British nudist society has slammed South Norfolk Council for ‘sexualising’ their pastime, after they were contacted regarding a newly introduced fee for sexual entertainment venues
A British nudist society has slammed a council for being dirty minded in their attitudes towards naturism, after they seemingly implied the group would need to be covered by a new sexual entertainment policy.
The Broadland Sun Association, who get their kit off in and around Norfolk but are based in Stoke Holy Cross, slammed South Norfolk Council for, in their view, suggesting their pastime was a sexual one, and a “throwback to the saucy postcard era“.
The furious reaction reportedly came after the nudity lovers were asked by council officials on their opinions about a newly introduced council policy relating to venues that require sexual entertainment requiring a specific license, according to BBC News.
Venues impacted by the policy could be made to fork out around £2,300 just to apply for a Sexual Entertainment Venue license, (SEV), something Broadland Sun say should not apply to them.
In a letter to the council, club spokesperson Steve Law said that he was “concerned. . . that our club may in some way be affected by such legislation or policymaking”.
Arguing that “nudity itself is not sexual”, he wrote: “The oft-heard view that being naked is somehow wrong, unnatural or will provoke sexual tension is a throwback to the saucy postcard era and we find the implied link somewhat out of touch with today’s society.”
The naturist called on those who do view nudism as a sexual act to come try it themselves to see how wholesome the pastime is.
“Our position is that simple nudity is in no way sexual and can do nothing but good. We would invite doubters of this assertion to get in touch and we will happily show you how realistic our view is.”
According to The Telegraph, a South Norfolk councillor explained that the new policy was not meant for any pre-existing businesses, but was being put in place were one to open in the future.
Gary Blundell said: “If a lap-dancing club decided to open up in the middle of one of our small villages, we need to have something there to say, ‘well actually, no you can’t’. Or ‘yes you can, but you need to do this, this, and this.”
Although, also speaking to the Telegraph, Conservative councillor James Easter explained that the nudist club would “probably” fall under the new legislation, explaining that “the term ‘sex establishment’ does cover a huge area”.
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