Plans for a new lap dancing club in Dundee have been ”vehemently opposed” by a woman’s support group but greeted with apathy by a neighbouring clergyman.
Dundee Women’s Aid, which provides assistance to families in crisis, said it will submit a formal objection against the application, arguing that it promotes the sexual exploitation of women.
Stars Sports Bar, run by businessman Jimmy Marr, wants to change the use of Mangos Nightclub in the Seagate, near the junction with Commercial Street, into an adult entertainment venue.
The Rev Jeremy Auld of St Paul’s Cathedral, just a few hundred yards away, said he won’t object to the venture, providing workers do not feel exploited.
He told The Courier: ”If this is an organisation that treats those who want to work in that environment in the right way then I am not going to stand against that. If it is something that people want to do then it’s not for me to cast judgment on them.”
It was a very different message from Dundee Women’s Aid Mary Miller, who said: ”It is not adult entertainment but violence against women which promotes inequality of women.
”DWA is committed to tackling the inequality in society of women. We promote the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse and lap dancing is yet another form of violence against women in society.”
The organisation, which has operated in the city since 1974, believes lap dancing venues ”normalise” men’s sexual objectification of women as well as attract higher levels of crime.
But this view was not shared by a spokesman for Stars Sports Bar, who said the image of lap dancing clubs had changed.
”Lap dancing clubs are no longer seedy-like places where dirty old men go,” said the spokesman. ”There are a lot of couples who go to these bars and a lot of hen nights so there is plenty of evidence that the perception of these venues is changing.”
The economic benefits of a new business in the city centre, irrespective of the ethical issues, has been welcomed by the publican of Tickety Boo’s opposite the proposed site.
He said a new lap dancing club on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares would bring with it a boost to local trade.
”The Seagate is quite a diverse area and I am actually quite supportive of this application, especially in this climate,” he said.
A decision on the planning application is due to be made by November 28. If approved, the applicant will then seek approval from the licensing board.
Photo PA.