News / sexual entertainment venues
Stripping off to protest in front of City Hall
Braving the cold on College Green, a group of strippers disrobed to demonstrate against plans to rob them of their livelihood.
Ridding Bristol of strip clubs would make good on mayor Marvin Rees’ pre-election promise from 2016 to ban sexual entertainment venues (SEVs)
But this has prompted a fierce backlash from those working in the industry, with estimates that some 100 people will lose their jobs if a “nil-cap” policy is introduced.
is needed now More than ever
On Tuesday afternoon, seven women and non-binary people who make their living from sex work took part in the demonstration next to City Hall.
In front of a banner that read ‘Sex workers rights are human rights’, they held up signs including ‘We want to work’, ‘Nothing about us without us’ and ‘Celebration is an act of resistance’.
One of the strippers at the demonstration was 23-year-old Chloe.
“They are taking away our rights and bodily autonomy, and it’s not based on any evidence or facts,” she told Bristol24/7.
Chloe said that if their places of work are closed, it will put the people who work there “in danger”.
Surveys show most Bristolians are happy with them as long as they are away from certain areas, including schools, housing estates, parks, women’s refuges and places of worship.
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 group of seven strippers took part in the demonstration on College Green – photo: Martin Booth
Chloe added: “We are not going to stop working. It’s about having licensed, regulated strip clubs.
“Our safety is under threat. Our workplaces are under threat. I do not know why Bristol City Council want to make 100 people unemployed.”
Read more: ‘Women should be able to be as sexual as they like’
Main photo: Martin Booth
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
