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Dancers speak out on fate of Bristol’s strip clubs
Strippers in Bristol are more determined than ever to keep strip clubs open as the date their fate will be sealed is in the diary.
“It’s a matter of bodily autonomy – respecting people’s choices and what they want to do with their bodies and lives,” said Chloe, a member of Bristol Sex Workers Collective.
She added: “It is also about people’s safety. We’re entering a recession and cost of living crisis, we’re still going to need to make money. But if you make that harder for us, we won’t exit the industry, some people might have to go into a more dangerous parts of it.”
is needed now More than ever
On July 28, the fate of sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) will be decided. If a nil-cap is introduced, Bristol’s two SEVs would be left without a licence to operate.
“I think people need to put a face to the lives they are going to affect and I think we have managed to do that,” said Amélie.
“A lot of people are realising they’re not just strippers – we are people.”
Both Urban Tiger workers talked to the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast about dealing with 15 months of uncertainty, speaking up within the debate and why they believe a nil cap is a step backwards for women.
Listen to the interview in full on the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read more: Date finally set to decide fate of Bristol’s strips
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