By: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

SALISBURY, UK — In a surprising development residents of a cathedral city are coming to the defense of United Kingdom based adult boutique retail chain owner, Jonathan Spencer of Erotica-Belle.

The drama unfolded when the Wiltshire Council acted on complaints from their constituents over the displays at the Erotica-Belle adult boutique located at 105 Fisherton Street, ordered Spencer to blackout his display windows.

Spencer has had a window display described by several residents as gorgeous, since he took over the retail location three years ago.  Spencer was forced to switch out his Christmas display and replace it with “blacked-out seediness” costing him £1,800.

The excuse used by the Wiltshire Council was that..”The adult boutique window breached the conditions of Mr Spencer’s license which required windows and doors to be obscured to hide the interior and items for sale from the outside.”

Jonathan Spencer fired back…”My shops operate within the law. We seem to be demonized by the council and looked down upon like we are some illegitimate business. They are restricting my human right to earn an honest living.” said Spencer.

In an unexpected turn, residents rallied in support of Jonathan Spencer, saying that the Erotica-Belle store’s display which did feature lingerie and pleasure toys, was one of the best in town.

The backlash against the Wiltshire Council kicked off when Spencer was forced to spend £1,800 blacking out the window of the boutique.  Spencer complained that rival store Ann Summers located just a half a mile from the road in the city’s shopping center – had been allowed to keep displaying lingerie in their windows.

 

“I would go as far as saying the best dressed shop in the town,” a post said. “They have always been really good at being tastefully provocative.”

“I want to complain about the complainants trying to bring everyone down into their grey view of the world and stop this bloke making a living.”

Review this comment: “We are going to be a ghost town if all the proud and hardworking business leave if they are not protected… I live here and want our city to be lively.” Others called for Ann Summers to be subjected to the same rules.”

In what appears to be a back track step, Matthew Dean, city councillor for the district, said “I had passed on a complaint from a resident to Wiltshire Council about the suitability of the display, but had not requested a blackout.” said Dean.  “Having seen the new window, I was very disappointed with the outcome and urged the council and Mr Spencer to work together to reach a compromise.” said Dean.

Fellow Wiltshire councillor for the district, said Richard Clewer… “While some people may be embarrassed by the display, it was no worse than other shops in the city.  The shop was legal and he would rather a window display than a “seedy blacked out front.” said Clewer.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman released the following statement:

“We deal with all issues regarding licensed premises in the same professional manner. It is important we are consistent and ensure all licensed premises adhere to their license conditions.  On the Government website, it states that licence conditions for a sex shop may include restrictions on opening hours, shop displays, advertisements and how visible the interior of the shop is from.”

Once again, people with their own sexual hang ups are bring their ideology to business and residents without full consultation from the community in its entirety.

Fans of the Erotica-Belle adult boutique chain should continue to show your support.  Not to mention their fabulous stores that you will fall in love with upon entry.  The Erotica-Belle adult boutique chain caters to Gays, Lesbians, Heterosexuals, Transgenders, Couples, Fetish lovers and more.

Make sure to visit a Erotica-Belle Boutique near you:  Follow Erotica-Belle Daily on Twitter

Erotica-Belle
Weymouth
1 Ranelagh Rd,
Weymouth
DT4 7JD
Hours – 10 A.M – 7 P.M

Andover
2 The Broadway
Weyhill Road
Andover
SP10 2JF
Hours – 10 A.M – 7 P.M

Salisbury
105 Fisherton Street
Salisbury
SP2 7SP
Hours – 10 A.M – 7 P.M

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