News / sexual entertainment venues
Union calls for ‘progressive policy’ on strip clubs in Bristol
Bristol could follow in the footsteps of places such as Camden and Edinburgh in creating a “progressive policy” on sexual entertainment venues (SEVs), according to Equity.
The union that represents creative practitioners has issued a public statement about the consultation on plans to introduce a ‘nil cap’, which would effectively ban strip clubs in the city.
It states that being members of Equity and the United Voices of the World (UVS) union enables performers to organise and ensure fair working conditions and rights, warning a ban could push this kind of work underground.
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Bristol Women’s Commission is among the groups calling for a ‘nil cap’, arguing that the continued licensing of strip clubs undermines the city’s White Ribbon status and disregards the safety of women and girls.
But those opposing the proposed ban say workers rights are at the heart of the debate.
In a statement published on Thursday, the Bristol and West branch of Equity said: “Being members of the USW and Equity allows these performers to organise and ensure fair working conditions and rights, which the unions would be unable to do should the venues become unlicensed and push this kind of work underground. We have already seen this happen where similar ‘nil cap’ policies have been implemented.
“USW have also been working with dancers to create a progressive SEV policy in Camden and Edinburgh, so there is an opportunity for Bristol to follow in their footsteps and create policy that centres the experiences and rights of the workers instead of giving credence to the negativity given to this kind of work by the mainstream media and culture.”
The statement adds: “We recognise that the licensing of SEVs in any city may divide public opinion, but at the heart of this campaign is the protection of workers’ rights, their right to a safe and regulated workplace and the right to have a say in how your workplace provides its duty of care.”
Equity was also a signatory of an open letter published in September calling for the council to “honour workers’ rights” by not banning strip clubs.
Bristol City Council’s consultation on the future of strip clubs is running until December 19. A final decision will then be made by a licensing committee.
Urban Tiger on Broad Quay is one of two strip clubs that could be forced to close if the ‘nil cap’ is introduced – photo by Martin Booth
Main photo by Martin Booth
Read more: Open letter demands council ‘honours workers’ rights’ by not banning strip clubs
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