iStockStrip clubs in Aberdeen could be phased out after a policy change was agreed by the council.
The change means that if a “sexual entertainment” venue closes in the city, there is a presumption against granting any new licenses to replace it.
Aberdeen City Council Licensing Committee convener councillor Gill Al-Samarai said the decision had been made in the interests of public safety.
“In developing the current licensing policy and the amendment agreed today, we took care to balance the freedom of individuals to engage in legal employment and activities with the right to exercise appropriate control and regulation to ensure the safety, health and well-being of the staff and patrons”, he added.
The committee said it is keen to see the number of premises reduced, with a view to eventually reducing the number of such venues to zero.
There are currently five sexual entertainment venues in Aberdeen.
The five sites will not lose their licenses, and are still able to submit applications to renew those licenses.
But if any premises change ownership or cease trading, a new application could be refused.
It follows a similar attempt from Edinburgh City Council in 2023 to set the maximum number of strip clubs in the city to zero.
That decision was overturned after campaigners backed a judicial review into the policy.
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