Strip clubs Vital safe spaces – or Blow to women’s rights?

Two opposing groups lay out their arguments for and against Bristol City Council’s proposed ban on sexual entertainment venues in Bristol. Estel Farell Roig reports

IN recent weeks, Bristol has become the epicentre of a raging debate around sex work and, more broadly, women’s rights.

It culminated in a stripper calling the chair of the Bristol Women’s Commission (BWC) a “misogynist”, accusing her of only protecting women they deem morally acceptable.

At the time, the BWC said to claim it is misogynist contradicts everything they stand for, as their aim is to identify and address gender inequality and the forces that fuel it.

At the centre of this debate are two sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) that would face closure if Bristol City Council’s licensing committee goes ahead with a proposal to withdraw licences for the city centre SEVs.

So far, no decision has been made on the new draft policy, which is due to go to public consultation this summer.

This debate has at its core differing views of feminism – one side believing women have a right to work at sexual entertainment venues and the other stating these venues need closing down as they profit from, and contribute to, gender inequality.

We asked the two main groups in the city that are part of the debate to argue their case: the Bristol Sex Workers Collective in favour of keeping the venues open and the Bristol Women’s Commission arguing in favour of the ban.

Here is what these groups had to say:

If the nil cap is implemented, we’ll lose access to those safe spaces and be forced into working private parties, without the club’s security, without the safety of our regulated workspaces Bristol Sex Workers Collective

A nil-cap sends a clear message to men and boys that women’s bodies do not exist for their entertainment. It builds on the messages around respect and healthy relationships shared in schools and colleges Bristol Women’s Commission