A lap-dancing club has had its licence renewed after performers told councillors they felt like part of a family.
Urban Tiger received its annual permit despite objections from women’s rights groups who demanded that the “sexist” venue should be shut down. But after hearing that the lap-dancers were “strong, independent feminists” working in a safe environment, Bristol City Council’s licensing sub-committee approved the Broad Quay venue’s sex entertainment licence application. The club’s barrister, Philip Kolvin QC, told the hearing on Wednesday (JAN 16) that Urban Tiger was a longstanding, responsible club, owned by a local family, and both customers and dancers observed all codes of conduct. They’ve generated a family atmosphere among club workers,” he said.
“The dancers are an integral part of the team. They are valued and protected.”
He read statements submitted to the panel by several of the lap-dancers, including Lauren who said: “I truly feel at home within the team. “I have confidence the owners will support me with any issues I have.” Another employee, Geri, said: “I consider them to be personal friends. It feels like an extended family. “I’m very grateful to have met them. They take the safety of the women who work there seriously.”
Mr Kolvin added: “These dancers are strong, independent women who are capable of making their own choices. They regard themselves as feminists.” There were no objections from the police, and an inspection by the council’s neighbourhood enforcement team found no issues. But 16 other objections were received, including from gender equality groups who pleaded with the panel to strip the club of its licence on moral grounds and because the city centre is becoming increasingly residential. A spokesperson for Bristol Fawcett women’s rights organisation said they opposed the licence renewal because violence against women was linked to a sexist culture encouraged by lap-dancing clubs, which she branded “sexist and harmful” Another campaigner and Bristolian mum, who refused to give her name, told the committee that the female performers at Urban Tiger were “regarded as little more than a collection of body parts”.
She said: “The concept and practise of Urban Tiger is deeply and profoundly sexist.”
Addressing the objections, Mr Kolvin said: “Allegations have been made in a very general way which have nothing to do with these premises and for which there is no evidence.“They include trafficking, modern slavery, intimidation and abuse of dancers, bribing of door staff, management turning a blind eye to criminality, spiking of drinks. “To make these allegations of which there is no evidence is regrettable. This is an attack on the character of a law-abiding and responsible local family and it is disturbing. “Dancer after dancer talks about how their safety is protected at the premises.” The club employs 37 dancers and seven bar staff, all female.
