Strippers banned – unless they keep their clothes on!

TAKING your clothes off would seem to be an essential part of your job if you work as a stripper.

But in an extraordinary ruling, those employed in the industry in Scotland have been told they can stay on in their jobs – as long as they cover up.

Around 100 dancers in Edinburgh have been left facing unemployment after the council used new powers to shut down all four strip clubs in the Scottish capital.

In protest, the United Sex Workers organisation has raised £20,000 to fight the decision under equality laws.

But Mandy Watt, deputy leader of the Labour-run City of Edinburgh Council, says the adult venues can remain open as long as the women dance with their clothes on. She said: ‘I understand concerns about people losing jobs but the venues could apply to stay open. All they need to do is not insist on women dancing naked. They don’t need to do that to operate.

‘I wouldn’t go to these venues to meet them because that would be inappropriate for a councillor. I believe the ban was the right decision because these clubs disempower women. They are not helpful for the view society has of women and their place in the world. I want to see women being treated with respect.’

But Georgie, a dancer from Edinburgh, said: ‘I say this to feminists such as Mandy Watt... work is work and stripping is real work. Many people do labour for the sole purpose of being able to pay rent and buy food. Stripping is no different.’