Scottish Government to back clampdown on lap dancing bars

Mr MacAskill told Holyrood's Justice Committee that communities should be allowed to refuse permission to license the clubs.

The committee is considering proposals by SNP MSP Sandra White to tighten licensing rules for lap dancing venues, which could see them being banned.

Ms White today accepted an offer of Government assistance to "clarify" her amendments to the Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill currently going through Parliament.

The Glasgow MSP told the committee that lap dancing clubs "objectify women".

She said the amendments will address this perception, although arts bodies have objected to the measures because of their "unintended consequences".

Scottish Ballet, the Festival Fringe Society and the Federation of Scottish Theatre made submissions that Ms White's amendments would cover all shows which include nudity and may prohibit some theatrical performance.

On the committee, Labour's James Kelly said he had sympathy for Ms White's intentions but said arts performances could inadvertently be hit. He said: "There are potentially unintended consequences for the entertainment arena."

Mr MacAskill told the committee the Government had "significant concerns" about Ms White's amendments.

He said: "We do support the policy intention behind the ammendment, giving local authorities this discretion, but there are drafting difficulties with the ammendment in its present form which will have to be addressed.

"I would therefore ask Sandra White to withdraw her amendment with an offer from us to assist and support a stage 3 amendment which clarifies exactly when an adult entertainment licence is required and the premises for which it is required."

The Government will now draft a tighter licensing regime which will come before MSPs when the Bill is considered by the full Parliament at its final stage.