Melbourne city councillors back CBD sex shop, claiming it won’t be another ‘Club X’
A young couple has been backed by Melbourne councillors to revolutionise sexual therapy in the CBD. But not everyone is on board.
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Town Hall councillors have backed a new sex shop and sexual therapy centre for the CBD, claiming it won’t be a “Club X” or “den of sin”.
Eighteen objections and 60 supporting letters were received for the proposed High Tide store in Rankins Lane, which is off Lt Bourke St and near Elizabeth St.
High Tide’s Paige Aubort told a council meeting that she and her partner aimed to revolutionise the adult store experience after having a bad experience in a shop three years ago.
“Our store will offer a warm approachable atmosphere where people can come together for honest conversations and access certified sex therapy, workshops and seminars … free of any DVDs, peep shows or any nudity whatsoever,” she said.
But local resident Wayne Coles-Janess said the sex store would adversely impact residents and businesses in what was a very narrow laneway.
“Without being judgmental of the actual retail items, it’s not appropriate for such a laneway because people that want to avoid it can’t cross the street,” he said.
Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said that residents had legitimate concerns but High Tide was a different kind of adult store to some notorious examples in the CBD.
“This is no Club X or Crazy Horse, it’s not a den of sin, it’s actually a house of sexual wellness, a place of sexual healing – and that’s good for the public health of Melbourne, and should be supported,” he said.
Mr Reece said sex toys would not be able to be easily seen from the street, and the store would have to close by 6pm.
Councillor Elizabeth Doidge said High Tide was ambitious and innovative, and would bring new retail into the city.
“Which is definitely something we want to see,” she said.
“I’m a young woman, I grew up in decades without a lot of sexual empowerment for young women, so I think this is really important.”
Councillors voted unanimously to grant a planning permit.
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