IPSWICH'S MP has today spoken out against the launch of a gentleman's night, claiming the controversial entertainment event is not suitable for the town.
IPSWICH'S MP has today spoken out against the launch of a gentleman's night, claiming the controversial entertainment event is not suitable for the town.
A weekly exotic dance night, held every Thursday evening at Curve Bar in Princes Street, has prompted huge debate since starting earlier this month.
Opinion has been polarised with many people claiming the pole-dancing and podium routines on offer are harmless fun while others have likened it to pornography.
The bar has a fully nude licence with dancers offering private shows in curtained booth areas although the management stresses there is no contact involved.
Ipswich MP Chris Mole today weighed in to the discussion, suggesting the licence holders reconsider the decision to stage the event.
“I would urge the licensee to think again about the sensitivities in Ipswich of introducing this kind of thing given the attitudes towards the sex trade following the murders in 2006,” said Mr Mole, who has so far received one complaint on the issue.
“Curve Bar is in central Ipswich and not too far from the areas which we are all aware of where street sex workers were working in the past.
“I think there is some sensitivity among local residents to having an activity near that area which looks as if it may be linked to the sex industry.
“However if they have their licence I suspect there is very little anyone can actually do about it now.”
The management at Curve responded to Mr Mole's concerns by reiterating the fact that the exotic night adheres to all necessary regulations and has received backing from large segments of the community.
Annamaya Salter, a member of the management team said: “We have had someone from the council down to check everything out and they are very happy with the way it is run.
“It is only one night a week and we have had some really good feedback.”
Are you in favour of the idea? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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