Decision to ban Edinburgh strip clubs 'will put women at risk'

Unions say it's unlikely sexual entertainment licences will be granted.

A lap dancer has told STV News that an Edinburgh City council decision to ban strip clubs will put women at greater risk of violence and drive the practice underground.From April next year, venues will need a sexual entertainment licence to operate, but after the council voted to cap the number of strip clubs to zero, unions say it's unlikely licences will be granted, forcing clubs to close and potentially pushing more women into poverty.

Laura Alderman

5th Apr 2022

A lap dancer has told STV News that an Edinburgh City council decision to ban strip clubs will put women at greater risk of violence and drive the practice underground.

From April next year, venues will need a sexual entertainment licence to operate, but after the council voted to cap the number of strip clubs to zero, unions say it’s unlikely licences will be granted, forcing clubs to close and potentially pushing more women into poverty.