Council backs pole-dancing club controls
A MOVE to control pole-dancing and lap-dancing clubs in the same way as sex shops has won cross-party support from Plymouth City Council.
Members gave overwhelming support to a motion by Linda Bowyer (Con, Eggbuckland) calling on the council to back a national campaign aiming to put the power to regulate such businesses back into the hands of local people.
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At present lap-dancing clubs can be licensed in the same way as cafes and karaoke venues rather than falling under legislation designed to regulate the sex industry.
Local government leaders across the country say this is a worrying loophole which prevents councils from objecting to new lap-dancing clubs.
Last month Pilgrims Sports Bar on the Barbican was given permission to have pole-dancing by a Plymouth City Council licensing committee, a decision which is being challenged by the police. It still has to obtain planning consent.
Licensing committee members said at the time they wanted to turn down the application because it would lead to deterioration of a family-friendly area, but after legal advice decided they had insufficient powers to do so.
The vote gives support to a call by the Local Government Association for an urgent amendment to be made to the Licensing Act 2003.
"We must put power back in the hands of local people," Mrs Bowyer told a meeting of the full city council. "Surely Barbican people should be entitled to have their voices heard?
"Researchers have uncovered evidence of links between pole-dancing clubs and prostitution and sex trafficking", she went on.
Mrs Bowyer said she was not opposed to pole-dancing clubs in principle.
"In a city this size we do have to offer a diversity of entertainment," she said.
Her call was backed by Labour and Conservative councillors.
Sue MacDonald (St Peter and the Waterfront) said she did not want to see the city divided into more privileged areas where residents were able to stop lap-dancing and pole-dancing clubs, and less privileged areas where they were not able to do so.
Nicky Wildy (Lab, Devonport) said: "I particularly don't like the exploitation of women and girls for sex."
Joan Watkins (Con, Stoke), who is also a member of women's organisation the Soroptomists, said: "We believe such establishments demean the status of women."
The national campaign already has the backing of an all-party coalition of MPs and peers.
Sam Remmer, Herald blogger and city pole dance teacher, has been picked by AOL to demonstrate the exercise routine on one of their websites. Posted on February 20th, 2008.
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by c, plymouth
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 10:14PM
“I cant belive people are shallow enough to refer to pole dancers as 'tarts'. You are obviously unaware of the skill involved in pole dancing. I'm in the industry myself and work extreemely hard for my money. I actually have 3 A levels in anatomy but dancing is a much better way to make money and keep me fit at the same time. It's not seedy at all, it's all private and secure for both the girls and the customers at all times. As for over reacting about condoms being strewn across the streets that's rediculous, if you ask anyone what they go to the clubs for they would say the entertainment. From the outside it will look like any other club on the barbican and won't cause any more of a disturbance. It will put some life into the barbican and draw in a bigger crowd. Hurry up and do it i say!!!”
by s, plymouth
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 9:50PM
“a lap dancing clu will hardly cause a huge sex fest, strewing condoms across the street ha! As i work in the industry i can tell you that its not seedy, everything is private and well secured for the girls and the customers. As for being quoted a "tart" ask anyone who knows about pole dancing clubs and they will say its all about the entertainment. I have 3A levels in anatomy and physiology but dancing pays better and its a way of life for some people. I think that people are quick to judge but if you took a closer look you would see that its just another well paid dancing job that requires alot of skill and patience.”
by david, efford
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 8:02PM
“Its totally ridiculous that people who have never even been to a pole dancing club decide that they are "bad places " . They are the sick ones . Also - I get sick and tired of people who live in the holier than thou mystical land thats called the "The Barbican" winging about modernising the place . Their attitude is stick it where you live - we are to nice for that ..... forgetting about about all the other alcohol places . This country is sick - it worrys about a pole dancer while seeing violence and drugs ruin it .”
by Rhetorician, Plymouth
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 7:51PM
“Doesn`t happen often Molly but I fully agree with you on every point you have made.”
by RobRoy, The Delta Quadrant
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 7:25PM
“Marie, as a gentleman (ok, I have a bit of a 'wind-up' sense of humour at times, but that doesn't make me a bad person) I wouldn't dream of asking a lady to go on a date to a pole dancing club. Likewise, I find it very hard to believe that you, obviously a lady of intellect, good taste and decent moral values, would even accept such an invitation.
The chances of you, therefore, finding yourself "...having a drink with tarts cavorting around..." is highly unlikely.
I think we could have some great discussions in a more agreeable environment......but I think I've asked you that before!”