The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Promoter says licensing board could put them out of business
Dundee-based SWE faces spiralling costs as council argues wrestling is a sport
A local promoter credited with bringing some of the biggest names in world wrestling to Tayside is in the midst of a grapple with the city council over licensing rules.
David Low, who owns and runs Scottish Wrestling Entertainment (SWE), has been told he needs to pay for a paramedic for future wrestling events – costing upwards of £900.
He says the conditions imposed by the council’s licensing board make it clear they believe wrestling to be a sport, leaving him “jumping through hoops”.
Mr Low argues that, far from being sport, his events feature “scripted performance art”.
In addition, Mr Low has also been told he needs to provide specialist insurance for the events and says he may have to “throw in the towel” after almost 26 years.
He said: “We are jumping through hoops to provide something that is almost impossible for a club.
“I think licensing must think this is a multi-pound business which it’s not. “This is non-profit making.
“I’m providing a family night out which is high up on the council and Scottish Government agenda to help mental health and the powers that be are making this very difficult.
“I’m at a loss and ready to throw the towel in on an almost-26-year venture to help people and make wrestling dreams a reality.”
SWE has brought some of the biggest names in wrestling to Tayside including former WWE superstars Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Tatanka and Hacksaw Jim Duggan.
The highlight of the year is the annual Hell for Lycra event at Dundee’s Caird Hall, which attracts more than 1,000 wrestling fans from across the area.
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I’m at a loss and ready to throw the towel in. DAVID LOW
Mr Low said: “I have spoken to paramedics and doctors about it and they’ve just turned to me and laughed. “They don’t think it’s a sport.” He continued: “We might be able to survive if we put ticket prices up but I don’t want to do that.
“I want to be able to put these events on for families and for them to be affordable.”
Dundee City Council was asked for a comment but failed to respond.
jkeith@thecourier.co.uk