MPs fight proliferation of lap-dancing clubs

Louise Nousratpour
Wednesday April 23, 2008
The Morning Star

A COALITION of MPs, peers and activists demanded changes in the licensing laws yesterday to give local authorities and residents back their "democratic right" to resist lap-dancing clubs opening in their area.

Launching a campaign in Parliament, women's group Object warned that the industry was exploiting loopholes in the 2003 Licensing Act.

This is resulting in a rapid expansion of the sleazy clubs despite fierce opposition from councillors, police and local residents.

There are more than 300 lapdancing clubs across Britain, with applications to open many more.

Young activists, dressed in campaign T-shirts that read "Women Not Sex Objects," queued up to enter the House of Commons.

But, as they approached the airport-style security, they were asked to either remove their T-shirts or turn them inside out because, ironically, "political slogans" are not allowed in Parliament.

Opening the meeting, Object spokeswoman Sandrine Leveque stressed that the campaign aimed to "strip the illusion" that lapdancing is harmless fun and has no links to prostitution.

A lap-dancing club is currently licensed in the same way as a cafe or a karaoke bar and Object is working with MPs and peers to table motions that seek to recategorise these clubs as "sex encounter" establishments.

"Our campaign strips the illusion that you can license cappuccinos in the same way as you license lap dancing," Ms Leveque said.

"It's time to start licensing lap-dancing clubs for what they are - part of the sex industry."

Journalist Julie Bindel, who has researched the subject by visiting lap-dancing clubs in Glasgow, described the "torturous" conditions endured by the working women.

"They have to pay to work in a club and pay for their own drinks because there is no staff room or even a water cooler," she said.

"They eat and get changed in the toilets.

"I support Object's campaign for a reform in the licensing law, but I would go further and say close these clubs down," she added.

Activists called for the public to write to their MPs and urge them to back an early day motion being put forward by Labour MP Linda Waltho and a 10 minute rule Bill by Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods.