Beavers lap-dancing club will no longer be able to stage live displays of nudity after its application for a new licence was refused.

The decision to refuse the application for a sexual entertainment venue licence was made by Watford Borough Council today, in light of concerns from the police.

The council’s sub-committee met yesterday and today to discuss the renewal of the Market Street venue’s sex establishment licence, which permits it to display "any live performance or live display of nudity", including lap dancing and strip shows.

Hertfordshire Police opposed the renewal following an undercover police operation, where two officers were offered sexual services from a number of dancers at the club.

The police were also concerned that the club was being managed and run "from the background" by an individual who is not named on any of the official documents or licences, which it described as "highly suspicious".

The licensing sub-committee decided that if the licence was granted, the business would be managed by or carried on for the benefit of a person other than the applicant, who would be refused if he made the application himself.

The decision comes into effect in 21 days, unless the club appeals to the magistrates' court in which case their licence carries on until any appeal is determined. The venue still has a licence to sell alcohol and provide entertainment.