Lap Dancing Clubs

 Object’s new campaign, “Stripping the Illusion“ - go sign the petition! Under current licensing laws, it is easy for lap dance clubs to open. When many of these clubs open, they create “no-go” areas for women. Research undertaken by the Lilith Project in 2003 in Camden found that in the years following the opening of a lap dance club on Tottenham Court Road, reports of female rape increased by 50% and reports of sexual assaults against women increased by 50%. We must protect our right to feel safe on the streets.

“Under current legislation lap dancing clubs are licensed in the same way as cafes or karaoke and require only a Premises Licence. The Licensing Act 2003 restricted the power of both local authorities and residents to have a say in the licensing of lap dancing clubs. This is wholly inadequate.

Research confirms that lap dancing clubs are part of the commercial sex industry. The buying and selling of sexual services occurs in some clubs and women performers face poor working conditions and high levels of harassment. Lap dancing clubs have a negative impact on the safety and well being of women living and working near them. They normalise the sexual objectification of women. It is clear that lap dancing clubs have a deeper social impact than cafes or karaoke. Licensing must recognise this.

We call on the Government to rethink licensing and re-categorise lap dancing clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments. This would give local authorities the same licensing powers as apply to sex shops, ensure better regulation and give local people a far greater say in licensing.”

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to to re-categorise lap dancing clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments.” Sign the petition.