Owner says only advice police offered after tour of club was, ‘don’t screw it up’
“But that’s not what’s going on here, right?”
The fact it’s a members’ only club doesn’t change anything, he said. And yet, Morris said the club, without a permit, falls outside the SLGA’S jurisdiction.
“If you’re selling or serving alcohol, the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act says that you need a permit from SLGA to do that. But if you don’t have a permit then that’s outside of our authority and then it becomes a matter for the police,” he explained.
But Oremba is confident, saying he’s been in contact with police officers, even giving them a tour. Oremba insists officers assured him the club fell within the law. The only advice they offered was “don’t screw it up,” according to Oremba.
He proudly describes his club as an upscale, exclusive venue, with entry restricted to members. Although it has a presence on Instagram and Facebook, its location is not publicly listed.
Adding to the club’s clandestine nature, members are required to wear masks until entering the main floor. Then they can remove their masks. Some performers also choose to wear masks. The club’s website says this is done because it values members’ privacy.
Cellphones are not permitted and have to be stored in private lockers in the coat check.
Inside, the club has leather chairs surrounding a stage with stripper poles, big-screen TVS — and a fully stocked bar.
Oremba said he’s received a large amount of interest from dancers in and outside of Saskatchewan. Because of provincial liquor laws, most strippers here have had no option but to perform at private homes and venues. Oremba said they’re happy to have a club with security guards.
“The girls appreciate it because they ’re not having to travel to a hotel room. They don’t have to travel to a residence or travel someplace unsafe now to be able to do these things,” said Oremba.
The club offers an annual membership at a cost of $120, which permits entry to all of 151’s events at a reduced cost. Non-members can attend an event with a one-day membership in addition to paying the event fee. Regina 151 doesn’t keep regular business hours, opening only during an event.
Stripping in adult-only licensed venues was briefly made legal in Saskatchewan in 2014, although full nudity was still not permitted. The law was overturned by the Sask. Party government in 2015. Its repeal meant Saskatchewan went back to not allowing striptease performances or wet clothing competitions in licensed venues, but dry strip clubs are still allowed.
Former premier Brad Wall said the law was repealed because the government was worried about seeing an increase in human trafficking or sexual exploitation of young women. Oremba said the issue of a criminal element has been raised, but people feel differently once they visit his club.
Regina’s adult entertainment establishment bylaw allows council to decide whether or not to approve the application based on how it fits the character of the neighbourhood, any adverse effects on adjacent properties and public health and safety.
Oremba says he asked the city if he needed to apply as an adult establishment and was told he only needed a business licence through the province because the club is private. The City of Regina was unable to provide a response when asked Thursday about the club.
Running what he described as an “underground” club has made it difficult to drum up business. He admitted his first few months have been slow. But he still believes opening the club quietly was the right way to go.
“In this province it’s been shown there will be the 27 people that start coming with picket signs and making noise and everything else,” said Oremba.