EXCLUSIVE

A NEW attempt to allow councils to ban lap dancing clubs is being launched.

Glasgow MSP Sandra White is calling for laws to ensure all Scottish councils are given powers to refuse applications – and to choose to close down all lap dancing clubs.

It comes more than two years after the Scottish Government rejected proposals to introduce a separate licence for clubs that provide sexual entertainment.

At the moment these clubs only need a routine public enter tainment licence, similar to premises that stage live pop concerts and gyms.

Ms White, who believes lap dancing is exploitative to women and that it is a front for the sex trade, will propose clubs should be subject to a strict licensing regime.

This would let councils set the acceptable local number at zero. The SNP MSP is ready to lodge a Private Member’s Bill, which will then go to consultation.

She said: “I feel so strongly about this and that is why I’m going down this route. This would give councillors the

‘ I am hopeful this legislation will be passed eventually

choice to say if one lap dancing club is too many.

“Under this legislation they would be able to decide that and not risk being taken to court by lap dancing club owners.

“It would not be mandatory and the decision would lie with each local authority.

“I am hopeful this legislation will be passed eventually.”

Councillor Jim Coleman, who chairs Glasgow’s Violence Against Women Partnership, as well as the city’s Commer cial Sexual Exploitation Working Group, welcomed the proposal.

He said: “Local authorities should have the option to refuse to license such establishments, so the proposal for a Private Member’s Bill is very welcome.”

Mairead Tagg, of Glasgow East Women’s Aid, also backed the move.

She said: “Lap dancing clubs oppress women. It is teaching people that sex is impersonal and that is detrimental for relationships.

“It is exploitative to women and there are links to rape, domestic violence and pornography.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government supported plans to license lap dancing in the last Parliament.

“The Justice Secretary has recently met Sandra White to discuss the issue and remains keen to ensure local licensing authorities can properly regulate this activity.

“We will be looking closely at how best this can be achieved.”