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What
is lap dancing?
Lap
dancing in all venues involves women sitting and talking
with customers with the hope of clients then paying for
a lap dance. Lap dancing involves performers removing most
or all clothing in a sexual manner.
Full nudity (including shaved pubic hair) along with toplessness
is now the norm. Topless lap dances typically cost £10
and full nudity, £20. Private booths are common.
What
Else Happens in Clubs ?
"no
contact is the first rule you ever learn to break"
'Elena',
ex performer
Research
and testimonials from performers and clients suggest that
exposed genitals, fondling, performers
touching themselves or other dancers or being touched by
clients and
paid-for sex is not uncommon.
Don't
Performers Make Lots of Money ?
Performers
have to pay to work in clubs, have to buy or rent expensive
'house dress', are fined for any breaches of codes (such
as the wrong dress code) and frequently pay retainers for
the days they do not work.
"There were days when I lost
money" Lucy,
ex performer
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Why
are Clubs Licensed like Cafes?
It
is only because of a legal loop hole that lap dancing is
not licensed in the same way as a 'peep show'. Peep shows
are licensed as Sex Encounter Establishments - venues which
'provide visual sexual stimulation'.
Lap
dancing clubs avoid this licensing simply by serving alcohol
and providing music.
What
would a Change in Licensing mean?
Licensing
lap dancing clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments would
give local councils far greater power to control their number
and location (unlike now, they could assess their suitability
near schools or women's shelters) and to regulate venues
once they do set up.
It would also give local people far greater say in licensing
(presently an individual most live within 200 m of a proposed
venue).
And it would mean licenses would no longer be granted in
perpetuity.
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