Perth CBD ‘sex-on-premise’ venue tipped for approval despite community backlash
The future of an on-site sex offering for a venue right in the heart of Perth’s CBD will be determined this month.
Despite local anger over the proposal, the City of Perth is recommending approval of a development application that would allow the Pink Rabbit Club to operate an adults-only club for consensual sexual activities for the LGBTQI+ community.
The ground floor of the building, located at 129 Barrack Street, currently operates as an adult retail store known as the Pink Rabbit Adult Boutique, but the development application will see the upper floor become a space for “social connection, education and consensual sexual activity”.
The report, presented to council ahead of the council’s July 21 agenda briefing session, says applicant Rowe Group says the space is designed to “develop a sex-positive, inclusive and affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other identities within the community.”
“As an exclusive club for people 18 and over, it emphasizes social connection, education, and intimate, consensual activities in a non-judgmental environment. Members are united by a shared interest in encouraging LGBTQI+ community connections, including safe discussions, social interactions, and consensual activities (including those of a sexual nature) that support personal expression and well-being,” the applicant said in the report.
In 2022, the council voted to grant conditional approval to change the building’s use from a small bar to an adult retail store. This approval was for the ground and upper floors of the building.
“In early 2025, following receipt of a complaint that the upper floor of the building was being used for purposes contrary to the above approval, the city initiated pre-enforcement proceedings against the property owner and business owner,” according to the report.
“Following correspondence with the city, operators stopped using the area for unauthorized activities,” the report said.
A City of Perth spokesperson confirmed the business owners are the same people behind this current development application.
Public consultation on the proposal saw 341 submissions, with 290 objecting to the adults-only club.
Of the 290 dissenters, 279 were not owners, occupiers or entities of the City of Perth area. Answers came from as far south as Falcon and as far north as Mullaloo.
Common themes behind the objections included the facility’s location, public safety and concerns that the business could operate as a brothel.
“I strongly oppose this proposal. The application is for an on-site sex venue in the Perth CBD. The City is working to attract families, young people, residents and visitors back to the CBD. This proposal conflicts with that aim and risks undermining the character, reputation and perceived safety of the city centre,” a Sorrento resident said.
One Hocking resident said they opposed the proposed development on the grounds that it “does not align with the character, values or long-term vision we are trying to preserve for our city.”
“This type of establishment carries impacts that extend beyond its walls, impacting the well-being, safety, and sense of peace of mind for the families, residents, and businesses that call this area home,” they wrote.
“The location being considered is not suitable for such a facility. Incorporating it into this neighborhood risks altering the atmosphere of the area, placing unnecessary pressure on local services and undermining ongoing efforts to create a safe, healthy and community-focused environment.”
A Mount Lawley resident said they believed the proposal would be a “valuable addition” to the city’s social and cultural infrastructure.
“It will provide a members-only venue where members of the LGBTQI+ community can come together in a safe, consensual and supportive environment. Such spaces are important for promoting well-being, inclusion and community connection in our diverse capital,” they wrote.
Pink Rabbit published a statement regarding the development application on its website on January 28.
“We recognize the deep cultural and historical significance of sex-on-premise (SOP) spaces within the queer community. These spaces have long served as vital havens for connection, self-expression, and mutual support, especially in contexts where mainstream environments are unsafe or unwelcoming,” the statement said.
“The Pink Rabbit Club is committed to honoring this legacy by placing the welfare of the community above all else.
“The Pink Rabbit Club aims to develop a vibrant, sex-positive sanctuary that enables LGBTQI+ individuals to thrive, celebrate their identities, and prioritize both physical and emotional health in a controlled, private environment.”
Details of the proposal state that to become a member, individuals on the LGBTQI+ spectrum who are actively engaging in or exploring LGBTQI+ sexual activity must be 18 years of age or older.
“All applicants must complete a membership form, agree to a code of conduct (emphasizing consent, respect and privacy) and go through a verification process,” the proposal said.
Alcohol is also not allowed on site.
The proposal says positive consent is required for all interactions (verbal “yes” and follow-up checks) to control behavior.
“All interactions must be based on clear, informed and enthusiastic consent. Members must respect boundaries and cease activities immediately if consent is withdrawn,” he said.
The suggested opening hours of the area are Monday-Thursday 10:00-21:00, Friday 10:00-22:00, Saturday 10:00-21:00 and Sunday noon-18:00.
The club’s capacity is limited to 50 members at any one time.
City of Perth officials recommended the development application be approved at the regular council meeting on July 28.
Conditions on approval include that external signage advertising LGBTQI+ members’ space or related activities will not be permitted on that site, and that users’ access to Level 1 of the building will be limited to Barrack Street at all times.
The Pink Rabbit has been approached for comment.
