News / sexual entertainment venues
One25 CEO apologises for previously supporting nil-cap on SEVs
Just days before the consultation on the future of Bristol’s strip clubs closes, the chief exec of a charity which reaches out to some of the city’s most marginalised women has issued a public apology for previously supporting the nil-cap on sexual entertainment venues (SEVs).
One25 CEO Anna Smith is chair of the Women’s Safety Task Group (WSTG) in Bristol, part of Bristol Women’s Commission, and had represented the organisation in voicing support for the nil-cap on SEVs which would lead to their closure.
The WSTG says that its view on SEVs is based on research that illustrates the link between SEVs and misogynistic attitudes, which are the cause of widespread violence against women and girls.
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But in an about-turn, One25 has reiterated that their ethos “is to be non-judgemental towards the women we work with, especially those we meet who are trapped in street sex work and who are stigmatised and marginalised by wider society. We now recognise that the work for a nil cap on SEVs does not align with this.”
Smith said: “One25 participates in a range of strategic groups to ensure that the women’s voices are heard and inform service provision in the city.
“At One25 we recognise that the sex industry is broad-reaching and multi-faceted. Our aims are to promote women’s safety, improve their health and wellbeing, and support them to have choices.
“I am a member of the WSTG because the women One25 work with have a right to be heard; taking a leadership role within it has meant that I have been called on to represent it across the range of its areas of concern.
“I now recognise that it was unhelpful for me to be involved with the work in support of a nil cap on SEVs as this has led to confusion about One25’s position with regards to sex work.
“It is important that I state this while the Bristol City Council’s consultation on SEVs is still open.
“I apologise for this as well as for any associated concern or upset to our supporters and to women who work in SEVs in Bristol. I will ensure that this does not happen again.”
Bristol City Council’s Sex Establishments Policy consultation closes on December 19. To take part, visit www.bristol.citizenspace.com/bristol-city-council/sex-establishments-policy-consultation-2021
Main photo: Kitty
Read more: ‘Without safe venues, women will be forced to dance in difficult situations’
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