Dancer speaks out about proposed ban on strip clubs in Bristol

A dancer at Urban Tiger says those who could lose their livelihoods if strip clubs are banned are being “shunned out of conversations” on the matter.

Amelie, who is a member of the Bristol Sex Workers Collective, has been speaking out about the proposed ‘nil cap’ in the city and argues that, if implemented, the policy would be “discriminatory and sexist” and one that risks putting women at greater risk.

She claims efforts to see the evidence supporting the ban on sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) have either been ignored or turned down and feels the voices of those due to be affected by the move need to be listened to.

Bristol City Council says information submitted during consultation is not released publicly without consent as it is provided in confidence. It says a wide range of organisations have already been consulted, including equalities groups and those representing sex workers, and a public consultation is due to launch this summer.

A group of seven strippers took part in the demonstration on College Green in April – photo: Martin Booth

Speaking to Bristol24/7 on the Behind the Headlines podcast, Amelie says if the two strip clubs in the city were to close, dancers would lose not only their income but what she says is a safe workspace.

“There’s no doubt the industry would go underground or we’d have to work in private parties where we’d have no security whatsoever or some of us would be forced into more dangerous forms of sex work,” said Amelie.

“Sex work is one of the oldest professions in the world and it cannot be stopped.”

The dancer is speaking out in a bid to “destigmatise” her industry and make the point that many employed are carers or need to support a family and rely on the income and flexibility their jobs allow them.

She adds: “Regardless of what people’s opinions is on sex work, we want to remind people that this is first and foremost a workers rights issue. As sex workers and dancers, we are workers and as workers, we deserve to be safe at work. All the nil cap will do is push women into more dangerous positions, or more precarious employment or unemployment.”

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If the policy is adopted by the council, both of the existing venues – sister venues Urban Tiger on Broad Quay and Central Chambers on Stephen’s Street – would be forced to close or change their business.

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “The council’s licensing committee developed a draft policy that, if implemented, could lead to the closure of existing licensed SEVs in Bristol. This is a timely review as the current SEV policy has been in place for ten years.

“A wide range of organisations have already been included in previous consultations, including equalities groups and those representing sex workers, as well as additional consultees where we have been made aware of their interest in the issue and they have valuable input to offer.

“The information submitted during the consultation is not released publicly without the consent of those submitting it as it is provided in confidence and may contain personal information.

“The new draft policy will go to a public consultation this summer, with Bristol Sex Workers Collective among those that will be included in this next phase and we would encourage anyone who is interested to respond to it.

“Following the consultation, licensing committee will make the final decision. At this stage, no decision has been made and all formal decisions will rest with the licensing committee.”

Listen to the full interview on the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

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