"Indecent conduct" claim at lap dance club

The club is popular with celebrities and city traders

A lap dancing club faces losing its licence to sell alcohol after a police investigation allegedly found evidence of "indecent conduct" on its premises.

But the licensees of Spearmint Rhino, in London's West End, say they have not been given details of the allegations.

The club, which advertises "fully nude female entertainment", is popular with celebrities and City traders but says its girls are strictly forbidden to touch customers.

Patrons include Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell, Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay, Madonna, Jack Nicholson and Russell Crowe.

There is nothing going on in that club which we consider to be indecent or unlawful.

Spearmint Rhino vice president Phil Whitehouse

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said a team from Scotland Yard's Clubs and Vice Unit had investigated Spearmint Rhino and found evidence of "indecent conduct".

They are believed to have studied CCTV tapes and sent in undercover officers.

But Phil Whitehouse, one of the club's three licensees and vice-president of Spearmint Rhino, said police had not told the club what it was alleged to have done wrong.

He said: "If they are going on how can we stop them because we don't know what they are?

Spearmint Rhino adopts a strict "no touching" rule

"Why do they want a revocation of the licence?

"If a criminal activity is taking place it's the police's responsibility to inform the management so they can put a stop to it there and then.

"There is nothing going on in that club which we consider to be indecent or unlawful."

Camden Council will decide whether to revoke the club's licence at a hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on August 19.

Police told the council last July that they were worried conduct at the club might amount to prostitution.

Residents have also complained about the club attracting prostitutes and unlicensed minicab drivers.

The club's public entertainment licence was withdrawn in March because of concerns about overcrowding and noise.