Clubs shut in clip joint crackdown
TWO hostess clubs have been shut down under new legislation to crack own on Soho "clip joints".
The Soho Cabaret in Great Windmill Street and Twilights in Rupert Street are the first venues closed in an effort to clean up the West End.
Two women and two men were arrested on suspicion of robbery, false imprisonment and forcibly demanding money following a series of complaints from customers.
Police said the clip joints used a woman at the door to entice men to enter for a £5 fee. Once inside, other female hostesses engaged the customers in conversation but when it became apparent that no sexual services would be provided and the men attempted to leave, door staff would demand money, around £300.
If the customer refused to pay, he could be threatened physically or forcibly taken to cash machines to withdraw money. Westminster council issued the two clubs with three-month closure orders, which will then be reviewed.
