Objections to introduction of alcohol at naturist hotel in Birmingham
An application to sell alcohol at a naturist hotel in Birmingham, which appeared on Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector with Alex Polizzi, has left Conservative councillors and neighbours in a bit of a fluster.
The Clover Spa and Hotel, which is located in a converted 1920s residential property in Erdington, has lodged an application with Birmingham City Council to serve alcohol.
However, a number of neighbours have objected to the request and local councillor Robert Alden said that he feared that the granting of an alcohol licence would turn the hotel into a strip club, which would attract trouble-makers.
His concern is heightened because the hotel is located next to a children's nursery and surrounded by family homes and a new retirement village.
"There is a risk of anti-social behaviour affecting neighbours whose gardens back on to the spa," he told the Birmingham Mail. "There will be a rise in inappropriate behaviour and displays of flesh. We have already had complaints over recent years, passed on to the council about people being nude in the garden and being visible from neighbouring properties and the nursery.
"Having clients who have had a few drinks will only worsen this situation."
Tim Higgs, the owner of the hotel, told the Birmingham newspaper that the objections were unfounded.
"This is something extra for the benefit of customers, not a big part of the business.
"The police have visited and have been supportive, there is no objection from them. I have invited our local councillors to come and look around, but they have declined. That invitation is still there."
The application is to be considered on Wednesday.
