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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.
Reader views (7)
So unemployment or street prostitution is better than??
- Georgie, Islington, London, 28/09/2009 08:09
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Furher to my earlier comment - why stop at Harriet Harment, we should all join Brown's, Darling's, Ball's (both Mr & Mrs), Jaqui Smith's and Bob Ainsworth local Labour party and de- select the lot of them!!! Then we could have a proper Labour Party and a proper Government
- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties, 25/09/2009 16:10
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What are these girls going to do otherwise? I guess more unemployment and less taxes for this useless government. Why is no one allowed to work privately in this country?!??
- Steveo, London NW1, 25/09/2009 15:19
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What all these lap dancers and Stringfellow should do is join Harriet Harman's local Labour Party - and then de-select her
- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties, 25/09/2009 13:16
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Funny how both both names from the government are female. Hmmm, sounds a bit of a anti-male move to me.
- Dom, London, 25/09/2009 12:09
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My heart bleeds.Find a proper job in that case!
- Steve, London, 25/09/2009 09:51
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"But lapdancers believe it is safer to work in “legitimate” clubs which could be forced to close."
...That's the whole point. They will be forced to close. It's the last chance for that man-hating "feminist" dinosaur from the 70's to enjoy herself.
- Kate, London, 25/09/2009 09:49
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