Is it hot in here or just breast practice?

Published on Thursday 22 July 2010 17:20

YOU would not think a lack of heat would be much of a problem in many of Edinburgh's strip clubs.

But it seems even lapdancing does not escape the long arm of the city's health and safety rules.

Regulations which establishments are told to comply with include keeping the temperature at 25C and installing a thermometer in all the dancing areas to prove it.

Owners also need to have a kettle to ensure the girls can have a tea break, "a plentiful supply of wholesome chilled drinking water" and a risk assessment monitoring "precise work activities required of dancers".

Floors should also be kept free of "any substance that may cause a dancer to trip or slip" while the only contact between a dancer and patron should be when money is being handed over.

The current rules emerged as the city council prepares to review its licensing requirements next week.

They were introduced at the same time as controversial guidelines, including that no dance entertainment takes place in private booths and all performers should keep their knickers on. Failure to comply with the regulations could result in the premises' drinks licence being revoked.

Diana Currie, manager of The Western Bar, one corner of the Capital's infamous "Pubic Triangle" on West Port, said: "We already comply with things such as drinking water in the changing rooms and a thermometer to make sure the temperature is maintained.

"The rule about no dancing in private booths is a bit of a concern though. It's between the customers and the dancers if they want to go into a booth for a private dance. It is a lapdancing bar after all."

Other rules state that dancers remaining in public dance areas before, following or between performances should be suitably clothed at all times.

More serious rules have also been highlighted, including the requirement for all dancers to be over 18, have a work permit and the requirement for the club to be appropriately stewarded and monitored by CCTV.

The licensing board's "policy on dance entertainment" states: "This policy has been adopted by the City of Edinburgh licensing board in order to promote best practice in licensed premises where any form of dance entertainment is provided.

"Whilst the policy has no statutory basis, the board will generally expect compliance with its terms and failure to do so may be taken into account in assessing the continuing suitability of any affected premises for the sale of alcoholic liquor."

A council spokeswoman said: "The policy is to protect the safety of dancers and members of the public."

CLUB RULES

The facilities should include a plentiful supply of "wholesome chilled drinking water" for all dancers.

No dance entertainment should take place in private booths.

Dancers' genitalia should be covered at all times.

Dancers remaining in public dance areas before, following or between performances should be suitably clothed at all times, with no exposure of breasts or genitalia.

Any advertising performances outwith the licensed premises may only depict dancers suitably clothed.

A "risk assessment" should be carried out.

All dance areas and the changing facilities provided for dancers should

be maintained at 25C. A thermometer should be provided in all rooms used by dancers.

Portable LPG heaters are not an acceptable form of permanent heating.

Floors should be kept free from obstruction and from any substance that may cause a dancer to trip or slip.

Eating facilities to include a table, chairs, kettle and sink should be provided.