Venue where LGBTQI+ community members can have consensual sex in Perth CBD recommended for approval

A LGBTQI+ members-only club in Perth’s CBD where 18+ patrons can engage in “non-judgmental” consensual sexual activity has been recommended for approval by City of Perth officers.

The application is to convert the upper floor of the Pink Rabbit Adult Boutique on Barrack Street into an 18-plus members-only venue, with city planners recommending approval subject to strict operating conditions.

Members will be granted a unique fictious name, chosen by themselves, to be used for access and identification.

The idea, as explained in a planning approval request to the city, is for those who identify on the LGBTQI+ spectrum to feel comfortable engaging in sexual activities “without judgment”.

The application drew 341 public submissions, of which 290 were objections and 51 in support. However, city officers said 195 objections were lodged without any justification, 43 were submitted using similar proforma wording, and 279 of the 290 objections were from owners, occupiers or organisations outside of the City of Perth.

Supporters of the application said the venue would provide an important space.

“As a transgender person, I want a venue for people like me that is not cisgender to meet up with people in a safer environment that is controlled and supervised to reduce chances of violence,” one person said.

“Rejecting this application would remove a proven and effective point of health engagement for a community that experiences disproportionate rates of HIV and sexually transmissible infections, and that may otherwise face significant barriers to accessing mainstream health services due to stigma and fear of being ‘outed’,” the WA AIDS Council said in its submission.

“The proposal will contribute positively to the diversity and vitality of the Perth CBD, is compatible with the surrounding context, and it will not result in any unacceptable amenity impacts,” Eros Association Inc. said.

Most of the objections were over its location and proposed activities.

“While we acknowledge that such uses may have a legitimate place within the broader metropolitan context, the proposed location is not appropriate given its immediate proximity to student accommodation, mainstream retail, hospitality venues, and other family-oriented amenities in the heart of the CBD,” one submission said.

“Regardless of one’s sexual orientation, sexual activity is a private and sacred act, and should be reserved to take place in the privacy of one’s home rather than in public and in a busy main street of our city as a business, in close proximity to where families and children regularly access,” another said.

“There are certain activities and businesses that should best be kept to the private and personal realm — of which this proposed development would fall under. For the similar logic and rationale that we do not walk around in our underwear nor do we openly advertise brothels,” a third submission said.

If approved, the first-floor venue would operate as an LGBTQI+ members space where members can also socialise and attend educational sessions.

According to the application, no guests or non-members would be allowed inside, and maximum numbers would be capped at 50. A strict zero alcohol or illicit drugs policy would be applied and memberships revoked for any violations.

The applicant said the venue was intended to provide “social connection, education and consensual intimate activities in a non-judgment setting”.

“The space is designed to foster a sex-positive, inclusive, and affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other identities within the community,” the applicant said.

“Members are united by a shared interest in fostering LGBTQI+ community connections, including safe discussions, social interactions, and consensual activities (including those of sexual nature) that support personal expression and well-being.”

Planning officers have recommended approval subject to several conditions, including compliance with an approved management plan, a ban on external signage promoting the club or its activities, and restricting patron access exclusively to Barrack Street, with the rear Grand Lane entrance used only as an emergency exit.

The noise control plans include playing “ambient” music at “controlled levels” and real-time noise monitoring by staff.

The officers’ report also includes advice making it clear that “any unauthorised activities which align with those prescribed by the Criminal Code or the Prostitution Act 2000 are not permitted within the premises at any time.”

“Such unauthorised activities may be subject to investigation and enforcement by the WA Police,” the report states.

Officers said the venue would occupy a space already approved as an adult retail shop, with no changes to the ground-floor business.

According to the report, the upper floor had been previously used for purposes outside the existing approval.

“In early 2025, following a receipt of a complaint alleging the upper floor of the premises was being used for purposes which were contrary to the above approval, the city initiated preliminary enforcement action against the property owner and the business operator,” it said.

“Following correspondence with the city, the operators ceased using the space for unauthorised activities.”

The proposed venue will operate from 10am to 9pm Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays, until 10pm on Fridays, from noon to 6pm on Sundays.

The proposal includes a membership verification processes, strict codes of conduct health and hygiene protocols, security measures and daily cleaning procedures. The premises would remain unlicensed, with no alcohol on site.

WA Police were consulted during the assessment but had no comments on the application.

A decision on the proposal is anticipated to be made at the city’s next council meeting on Tuesday, July 28.