Lap dancing clubs to be banned in Edinburgh

Councillors in Edinburgh have voted by a narrow margin to ban lap dancing clubs in the city.

Last night, Edinburgh Council's regulatory committee voted to ban "sexual entertainment clubs" by a majority of 5 to 4. Another proposal to allow four clubs to continue operating in Scotland's capital failed. The new rules will come into force in April next year.

Conservative Councillor Cameron Rose said the limit on clubs must be set at zero. He noted that women who work in such venues are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. And he said that a decision to ban strip clubs is in the "legitimate interest of women and society generally".

A legal challenge by Edinburgh clubs and groups representing 'sex workers' is expected in the coming weeks.

A spokeswoman for CARE said:

"This narrow result is a welcome one for women at risk in seedy clubs, and Scottish society at large.

"Lap dancing bars and strip clubs are often the seat of exploitation, including trafficking and modern slavery. Reports of assault and abuse against women who are performing for men are frequent, and alarming.

"These clubs also fuel a culture of female objectification that affects women and girls across Scotland. Challenging this culture needs to become the norm in Scotland, and we pray that it will be in years to come."