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Put it away, love: trendy Tories urge curbs on lap-dancing
The Conservatives would give communities more power to block the opening of lap-dancing clubs, the BBC reports today.
Current licensing laws put lap-dancing clubs in the same category as pubs or coffee shops, giving residents less scope to oppose them than sex shops or cinemas. The number of lap-dance clubs in the UK has risen to 300 since the first one opened in 1995 (that's more lap dance clubs than rape crisis centres, don't you know).
But councils should be able to decide whether such venues are appropriate for their area, according to shadow women's minister Theresa May.
Ms May said: "Councils are currently unable to block lap-dancing clubs opening even if they are overwhelmingly opposed by local residents.
"The government's reforms have effectively silenced communities and allow no consideration to be given to their views.
"Local people often have legitimate reasons for objecting to the planned location of a lap-dancing club - if it is near a school or a library for instance. We want to empower councils to take account of local opinion."
Um, if its near a library? Are the Tories saying that ladies shouldn't dance in their underwear in close proximity to books, or that the trade of human flesh should be regulated carefully, and a matter for community consideration?
And it's a great sentiment, but is anyone else slightly suspicious of the Tories' right-on attitude to all things lady these days? Yes, a Tory agenda in favour of decreasing sexual permissiveness isn't a huge surprise, but lefty feminists have long been campaigning for re-classification of lap dance clubs, and here come their traditional political nemesis with resounding support! It's an odd combination. What on earth is happening to the Tories... and is it (dare I say it) actually a good thing...? The Conservatives would give communities more power to block the opening of lap-dancing clubs, the BBC reports today. ... more -
Was controversial lap-dancing club destroyed by arsonists?
And in a country with more lap dancing clubs than rape crisis centres, is this really any great loss?
Obviously arson is a very bad thing and all, especially if firefighters risk their safety, but lap dancing clubs surely aren't good for any community, whatever your opinion on the merits of women making money by dancing for sleazy customers and calling it 'empowering'?
According to the Daily Mail (ouraged at this attack on entrepreneurs' freedom to make money out of vulnerable women, naturally) firefighters used a sniffer dog to search for signs of petrol or other flammable liquids and police checked CCTV footage for a possible arsonist in the area early yesterday morning.
Club Redd in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, was one of scores of lap dancing venues that have opened in small towns and residential areas since the government relaxed the laws in 2003.
But despite an internet campaign on Facebook and a letter writing blitz by angry locals to try to halt the development, the council said it was powerless to act because, under the rule change, the club did not need to apply for a special licence to operate.
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Anne Jones said many residents were outraged when the club launched last month.
'There was a great deal of opposition to this club when it opened. It came as a surprise because there had been no consultation whatsoever with the town's residents. We had not asked for the club and suddenly it was there. It didn't have to ask for permission as they are automatically licensed as just an ordinary club. It is an issue that a lot of people feel very strongly about at the moment. It doesn't feel as though the Government is listening to ordinary people anymore,' she said.
Under the 2003 Licensing Act, which introduced 24-hour drinking, lap-dancing clubs outside London are treated in the same way as bars, restaurants or traditional nightclubs.
This meant that Club Redd, which opened on a former nightclub site, did not need to apply for a special licence despite offering sexual services. The number of lap-dancing venues has doubled to more than 300 since the 2003 act.
Club Redd manager Leo Valls said he was 'absolutely convinced' the fire had been started deliberately.
In an extraordinary outburst, he even claimed the fire was an attempt at 'violent censorship' similar to the book burning in Nazi Germany.
Hmm. Now, I can understand the guy's pissed off. He has a right to be if someone's burnt his business down, however heinous his industry of choice. But the destruction of knowledge and the wiping out of ideas that didn't fit a fascist creed compared to the temporary closure of a sleazy sex establishment? Er, I don't think so.
What do you reckon? Should lap dancing clubs be allowed to spring up all over the country without having to consult the local community or seek a special licence? Is lapdancing just a harmless activity that's completely harmless for both customer and client? Or something far more sinister, and depressing evidence of our society's lack of respect for women? And in a country with more lap dancing clubs than rape crisis centres, is this really any great loss? ... more -
Man sues for lap dance injury
Stephen Chang, a securities trader, filed a suit against Hot Lap Dance Club claiming he was seriously injured during a lap dance when "the dancer swung around, the heel of her shoe hit him in the eye."
Hmmm... he must not be married or have shame.
Check the article for club prices. Stephen Chang, a securities trader, filed a suit against Hot Lap Dance Club claiming he was seriously injured during a lap dance when ... more -
My First and Last Lap Dance
One man's visit to a Canadian strip club shows him the selfish side of love.
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Strip Club Etiquette for EVERYONE
Using this guide to strip club etiquette will help ensure that your next visit to the local cabaret goes well and that you leave without insult or injury. A bad visit to the strip club can include being doused in your $9 drink, a sore bottom (which the bouncer tossed you out on), and hurt feelings all around; a good visit means you had fun, met some new people, and look forward to going back.
Full story: http://www.helium.com/tm/761304/people-strip-clubs-plac... Using this guide to strip club etiquette will help ensure that your next visit to the local cabaret goes well and that you leave witho... more -
England's shocking pre-match warm up...
England's shock exit from Euro 2008 might have something to do with their pre-match warm up which consisted of dealing with dehydration by some good ol' fashioned binge drinking, stretching with the help of some of London's finest lap dancers and a 'one on one' warm down which saw an England player receiving some extra special treatment.
The full story can be found here detailing the alleged debauchery of some of the England team's top players. England's shock exit from Euro 2008 might have something to do with their pre-match warm up which consisted of dealing with dehyd... more
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