NWCI disappointed at granting of Stringfellows Licence

Published: Monday, January 09, 2006

The National Womens Council of Ireland (NWCI) has expressed dismay at the granting of a licence to Strinnightclub to open premises in Parnell Street, in Dublin and considers that current licensing conditions appear inadequate.

We view lap-dancing as being part of the spectrum of commercial sexual exploitation, which contributes to a culture where women are viewed as objects available for the sexual gratification of men stated Dr Joanna McMinn, NWCI Director.

The NWCI believes that commercial sexual exploitation, which includes lap dancing, pornography and prostitution, is inextricably linked with both the prevalence and acceptability of sexual violence in our society. The opening of the Peter Stringfellow club will encourage the normalisation of mens sexual objectification of women. Lap dancing clubs are in direct contradiction with attempts to promote equality between men and women, and could well contribute to hindering further progress in this area. stated Dr McMinn.

The NWCI believes that the government should have greater powers in relation to licensing, and that such clubs should be viewed and licensed as sex establishments and subject to the same controls. The NWCI also calls on the Gardai to monitor the impact of Stringfellows on the local community and to monitor the activities of other lap-dancing clubs operating in Dublin city centre.