Surprise results of lapdancing survey

At that point, 71 percent of the public were in favour of this effective ban, however in a recent public survey that number had dropped to 62 percent.
As part of a mandatory public consultation to ratify its new sexual entertainment venues licensing policy, the council issued another survey between April 1 and May 31.
Those consulted included members of the SEV Working Group, police, fire, and health workers, community councils, faith groups, places of worship, local businesses, youth councillors, college and university students, and the council’s public protection committee and its sub
committees including violence against women and girls.
Out of 243 responses, 151 people (62 percent) supported an effective ban on lapdancing clubs in the region, while 92 people (38 percent) disagreed.
A report tabled at the council’s communities committee last week explained that the latter respondents either wanted to see freedom of choice for customers and employees, believed it would provide jobs and income generation, or that proper regulation would allow for better safety of employees and customers.
Meanwhile, the majority who said no to sexual entertainment venues gave reasons relating to exploitation, objectification, trafficking and violence against women.
Others said that the council should be concentrating on other priorities such as regenerating town centres and supporting more inclusive businesses.
While the council has agreed a policy to have zero lapdancing clubs in the region, business owners can still attempt to open such a venue by applying for a licence under the new rules.
The council report states: “With regard to a new SEV licence, the proposed fee for grant or renewal of a new licence – whether granted for one year’s duration or less – is £1,586.
“This proposed fee mirrors the current fee for a sex shop licence.”
Edinburgh City Council took the decision on a 5-4 vote to ban strip clubs from April next year.
However, the city’s sexual entertainment clubs are planning a legal challenge against the decisioin, and a petition is expected to be submitted to the Court of Session in a few weeks.