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MSP calls time on lapdancing clubs |
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Tuesday, 07 October 2008 |
 Responding to fresh evidence that Lapdancing clubs have close connections with prostitution networks Glasgow MSP Sandra White has called for the Local Government and Local Authorities to take action.
Throughout the UK, lap-dancing clubs are offering men one-on-one physical contact with half-naked women which under the UK licensing laws is not considered a sexual encounter.
This is an unregulated industry which opens up an opportunity for club owners to bring in trafficked women and girls; where in the UK thousands of women are trafficked each year.
As far back as 2004 a study commissioned by Glasgow City Council revealed that many of the girls working in these clubs were being asked to 'dress like sluts' or that many were in serious debt, increasing pressure to be sexually available.
Commenting on Sandra White MSP said: "We have known for a number of years that these clubs not just harmless fun yet have taken no action to protect the vulnerable women working in them."
" It's now time for Local Authorities and the Government to act to ensure that women are not being exploited or trafficked into this business"
"Lap dancing clubs are licensed the same as karaoke bars and do not have their own specific licensing and this must change"
" I understand and welcome the fact that The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is consulting local authorities about the operation of the licensing laws and I will be calling on the Scottish Government to do the same."
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