Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Bingo hall row after claims ladies got ‘carried away’ when male strippers put on Full Monty performance
NONE of the ladies have their eyes down as it’s definitely a full house at this bingo-hall stripper show…
The saucy antics as fellas did the Full Monty on stage had the crowd asking for more (No 34).
But it was claimed things were not totally tickety-boo (No 62) as revellers got “carried away” and it became a case of grandma’s getting frisky (No 60).
One breathless bingo fan posted later: “Had a brill night at the bingo and the strippers. I even got me hands on two, oh what a great night happy happy happy.”
A local businessman said Ladies’
Night 2 – hosted by drag queen Kitty Goodhead – needed door staff in order to keep order. He said: “It has been reported to me the audience got carried away. I raised it with the council about the safeguarding in place.
“For example, having door staff to make sure things don’t get out of hand.”
The general manager of Apollo Bingo Hall, who declined to give his name, said: “We are happy the acts did not go too far.
“At the end of the day, there was nothing untoward happened. I do believe there is no evidence of that. It was literally what it said on the tin and there were no issues and we received no complaints at all.”
The poster for the show in Barrow, Cumbria, had warned punters: “Please be aware if you are easily offended, please leave the club after the bingo. Male nudity is guaranteed!”
Apollo has a premises licence and can host “relevant entertainment” 11 times a year, Barrow Borough Council confirmed.
Councillor Tony Callister, spokesman for licensing and public protection, confirmed that a complaint had been made in relation to the show, which was held on February 15.
He said: “A limited number of events of this nature are permitted per year under the 2003 Licensing Act.
“All premises must act in accordance with their licensing conditions.
“An investigation into the complaint was launched, and concluded that nothing unlawful had taken place.
“The council takes complaints about licenced premises seriously.
“The public should contact Public Protection Services if they have any concerns about pubs and clubs in the borough.”