Sex club law change could leave us jobless, say lapdancers

Lapdancers have warned that thousands would be left jobless under new Government crackdown
12 April 2012

Lapdancers today hit back at government plans to introduce tougher legislation on strip clubs.

They warned that the laws would put thousands out of work and could push women into riskier establishments.

Peter Stringfellow also criticised the proposals, accusing Harriet Harman of "feminist hysteria" by backing the reforms which could lead to venues being forced to close.

The Home Office consultation document published on Monday proposes that all venues will have to apply for a new sex establishment licence, which
must be renewed annually.

The law was suggested by former home secretary Jacqui Smith, and supported by Ms Harman, the equalities minister, after lobbying by women's rights groups such as Object and the Fawcett Society following a boom in lapdancing bars.

But lapdancers believe it is safer to work in "legitimate" clubs which could be forced to close.

Alexandra Howard, 21, who works at Majingos lapdancing club in Canary Wharf and is studying accountancy, said: "I really like my job. I can understand the feminist argument, but it is better if there is a safe, controlled environment. If clubs are forced to close, it's going to make life very difficult for dancers.

"I don't get financial support from my family. It is a good living because I can work three nights a week, which gives me time to study. I don't plan to be a dancer long-term, but my experience has been very positive."

Stringfellow criticised Ms Harman for taking an "anti-male stand". The nightclub impresario, who owns Angels in Soho and Stringfellows in Covent Garden, believes the reforms will hit established brands as well as newer clubs.

He said: "It's totally unnecessary, bringing ridiculous bureaucracy and fed by feminist hysteria.

"The Government opened a loophole with the 2003 Licensing Act which allowed unscrupulous
operators to move in. But we shouldn't all be tarnished.

"Clubs such as mine which have always had the correct permission should not have to
re-apply for our licences."

Simon Warr, head of the Lap Dancing Association and former owner of the Spearmint Rhino chain, is campaigning for automatic renewal for lap dancing clubs that had a licence before 2003.

He estimates there are 50,000 people employed in the industry as dancers, bar staff and security guards.

"We were assured by the Home Office there would be rights for venues that had licences before the Act, but they've gone back on
that," he said.

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