New restrictions should be put in place on Aberdeen strip clubs, council bosses have recommended.
A limit on their number, or even a ban on such premises, are part of a range of options which could be implemented, with papers to be presented to next week’s licensing committee recommending that some form of new system is introduced.
It follows a major consultation, which involved owners of sexual entertainment venues (SEVs), the police and various women’s charities, which found a majority were in favour of new regulations.
A total of 112 responses were received, with 59 in favour of adopting a licensing regime and 53 opposed.
Other options alongside limits could include full details, names, dates of birth and nationality of performers being made available for inspection and immigration status checks to guard against human trafficking.
SEV bosses have previously argued against changing the status quo, arguing that the venues provide work for women in a safe environment.
Only six Scottish council areas have the venues, with consultations already launched in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and planned in Fife, while Dundee said it had made “no decision” on the issue.
Council public protection convener Jennifer Stewart, who was one of the consultees, also welcomed the move and said concerns had previously been raised over trafficking.
She said: “I think there most certainly should be some regulation.
“It’s not just the salaciousness of it all, but about the exploitation of women. These women usually have to pay rent to work in these establishments, so ultimately it is the men who own them that make all the money.
“We have been told by the police before about problems with trafficking which can be connected to these venues.
“I suppose if you make your way from somewhere like eastern Europe you are promised a lot but can find yourself in a bad situation. “
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said he thought a licensing system would be “the right step”.
He said: “I think that effective licensing and regulation is one way to treat issues in these venues.
“But I am keen to hear what the people of the city have to say on it.”
A city council spokesman said a further consultation would take place following next Tuesday’s committee’s decision on the exact type of licensing rules imposed.
