An application for a table dancing licence has been submitted to Carrick-on-Suir town council by the Stringfellow Leisure & Entertainment Consortium. It will be located in the very centre of the town at the former N. Cooney premises which is now derelict after sustaining fire damage over two years ago.

The sale of the premises is subject to the acquisition of the appropriate licence. If obtained, the venue could be open for business by the end of December of this year. Members of the Carrick council’s licensing committee will decide whether or not to grant the club a sex establishment licence. A spokesperson for the Town Hall confirmed that a notice has been served on Mr. Kiersey, the existing owner under the Derelict Sites Act, 1990 which instructs a property holder to demolish, sell or repair the building. Failing an acceptable response from the owner, Carrick council can accomodate the premises. They also stated that the existing building, especially considering its prime location is “an eyesore”.

Mr. Stringfellow along with a delegation of the Stringfellow Leisure & Entertainment Consortium met with local councillors to discuss the social and economic impact this proposed establishment would have on the local community. Members of Carrick-on-Suir town council as well as local business groups have largely welcomed the initiative adding that it is a unique way to bring much needed business into the centre of town while also providing a jobs boost. All sides agreed that it would enhance tourism. Mr. Stringfellow was assured by council members that there would be an abundance of willing local personnel available for employment; in reply, Mr. stringfellow told members that traditionally he has preference for an eastern European workforce but the club in Carrick would be of a different style and he would draw upon local talent.

“If Carrick on Suir can offer entertaining strip clubs and massage parlours, it could secure the future of the town”, said Mr. Stringfellow. Mr. Stringfellow ended the meeting by inviting the councillors to spend an evening at his premium club. All members expressed an interest in attending and dually thanked Mr. Stringfellow.

According to Mr. Stringfellow, the proposed new establishment will be called 'SINFUL'. It will consist of an entrance lobby with a juice & cocktail bar, a main dance area to the back of the premises with a lounge bar called ‘FLAMES’. On the first floor there will be private VIP rooms, sauna & jacuzzi rooms. Overnight accommodation in the form of a B&B will be offered on the top floor. According to the licence application, the premises will trade from Thursday to Sunday and between the hours of 10:00pm to 1:00am.

Opposition to the venue has already been met by local clergy who have denounced it as a ‘sexual entertainment venue that will display nudity’. Parishioners attending Sunday services at the local Saint Nicholas church were warned to be “careful now” and “down with that sort of thing”. Members of the local Legion of Mary have said that if the council grant the licence, they will protest at the entrance of the club by holding a vigil and reciting the rosary every night that the club will be open. In July 2006, the Legion of Mary successfully closed down a Stringfellow’s establishment in Dublin. Local members of the legion gathered outside the building in the pouring rain last Sunday afternoon to protest by reciting the rosary.

There are now approximately 310 such establishments in the UK and about 40 similar venues in the Irish republic. Waterford has three similar venues, one of which is primarily aimed at the female market.

Carrick on Suir