A second attempt to prohibit strip clubs in Edinburgh has been thwarted as councillors voted to allow the city's three existing venues to remain open. However it was voted down by seven votes to two.
The Labour administration of the council proposed imposing a 'nil cap' on sexual entertainment venues, intending to force their closure due to concerns about their alleged contribution to violence against women. However, the proposal was rejected by a vote of seven to two.
This decision follows nearly two years after a previous vote by councillors to set the maximum number of venues at zero, a move that was legally contested by dancers and incurred substantial costs to taxpayers in legal fees and expenses.
A judge ruled that the council members had received unreliable legal advice regarding the consequences of imposing a nil cap, prompting a rerun of the vote at the regulatory committee meeting on February 5.
Addressing the committee, Alexis, a veteran stripper in Edinburgh representing the Sex Workers Union (SWU), urged the council to base their decision on factual evidence rather than emotional or moralistic considerations. She cautioned against restricting the number of venues to three, warning that such a limitation could create a monopoly, potentially exacerbating exploitation amidst a cost of living crisis.
Asserting the right of women to choose their profession, Alexis emphasized that blaming strippers for misogyny and violence against women is misguided, and argued that depriving them of employment is not a solution to sexism.
Following the council's decision, the SWU celebrated their victory on social media, highlighting their ongoing struggle to prevent the closure of workplaces under a nil cap policy.
The council ultimately voted to maintain the current cap of three venues, with an option for a worker-run club to open. A joint amendment tabled by Lib Dem convener Councillor Neil Ross and the Greens received support from SNP and Conservative councillors, setting the cap at three and designating the city center ward as the only suitable location for granting SEV licenses.
Councillor Ross emphasized the importance of regulating venues to protect women who choose to work in the industry, expressing concerns about the safety risks associated with driving lap dancing underground through a ban.
While some councillors, like Labour's Val Walker, argued in favor of a nil cap citing concerns about the potential for strip clubs to facilitate entry into the sex industry and contribute to violence against women and girls, others, such as SNP councillor Martha Mattos Coelho and Conservative councillor Jo Mowat, emphasized the need to regulate existing premises to ensure the safety of workers and patrons alike