Controversy Surrounds 21-Year-Old Sex Shop’s License Renewal

A long-established sex shop in Crewe, known as Temptations Adult Shop, is facing its first significant challenge in over two decades regarding its license renewal. The shop, located on Nantwich Road, has operated for 21 years without any complaints, but this year, the renewal process has attracted objections from the Macclesfield Council. The issue was addressed at a recent meeting of the Cheshire East Council licensing sub-committee, where discussions concluded without a final decision.

During the meeting, Kim Evans, the licensing team leader, informed the committee that there have been no prior complaints against the establishment from the public or responsible authorities. “In respect of the premises, there have been no complaints received, either from members of the public or from responsible authorities,” she stated. The absence of any issues raised in police licensing liaison meetings further highlighted the shop’s compliance and responsible operation.

Owner Alan Brook defended his business at the meeting, emphasizing its longstanding positive presence in the community. “I’ve operated responsibly as the licence holder for the last 21 years at the same address. Everything’s been great, no trouble whatsoever,” he remarked. Despite Brook’s reassurances, Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake expressed significant concerns about the shop’s location, which is on a route frequently used by children heading to school.

Bennett-Wake articulated her apprehension regarding the shop’s impact on the area, stating, “It’s clearly family-orientated, with playgrounds and mother and baby shops in close proximity.” She referenced a 2021 government examination that explored the effects of pornography on societal attitudes, noting correlations between pornography use and harmful behaviours towards women. The councillor argued that the sale of pornographic materials does not align with the character of the community.

Compounding the issue, police data indicates that Crewe South has the highest rate of sexual offences in Cheshire East. Bennett-Wake further declared, “I just think it’s not appropriate to sell porn on the high street where there’s children passing by.”

In response, Brook countered the allegations against his clientele, asserting that his shop serves approximately 200 customers a week, equating to around 10,000 customers a year. He rejected the notion that any of his patrons are linked to local crime, calling the implication “almost slanderous.” Brook also noted that around 30 percent of his customers are women and clarified that no violent DVDs are sold at his establishment; all products are certified by the British Board of Film Classification.

The meeting was adjourned with the committee chair, Arthur Moran, announcing that a decision regarding the license renewal will be released within 10 working days. The outcome will determine the future of Temptations Adult Shop in a community that has, until now, accepted its presence without complaint.