Published: 29 November, 2013

OFFICIAL bodies regulating horseshoe fitters, architects and top-level lawyers have leapt to the defence of Westminster Council in their battle against sex shops.

City Hall have applied to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal against a decision by High Court judges last May.

The High Court came down on the side of sex shop traders who success­fully claimed the council’s massive hike in licensing fees – from £1,000 to £28,000 – was unlawful.

The council, who had argued that sex shops should foot the bill for the cost of policing their licences, are being backed by the Farriers Registration Council and the Law Society.