Ayr could be set for pole dancing

May 1 2009 by Lisa Boyle

AYR looks set to have its first pole dancing club – if the people of South Ayrshire agree to it.

Council chiefs have drawn up tough new guidelines on adult entertainment.

And if given the thumbs up by the public, an Ayr businessman’s long standing dream of opening a pole dancing club could become a reality.

People have until June 1 to make their voices heard.

The rules, presented to the licensing board this week, state that adult entertainment should be strictly for over 18s and fully visible to the public visiting the premises.

Performers should not touch or be touched by customers and there should be a distance of at least one metre between the performer and the customer.

In addition to this, CCTV cameras must monitor all areas where adult entertainment takes place.

Performers should have dedicated private changing, washing and toilet facilities separate from public facilities.

The licensing board will determine if full nudity is appropriate for a specific venue.

Businessman Forbes Robertson has been trying for two years to get pole dancers performing at his MillionAyr casino.

Thanks to these new guidelines he says he is one step closer to achieving his ambition.

Mr Robertson said: “I already have a building warrant in place to create toilets and changing facilities for the dancers.

“I’m all for these guidelines and I’m pleased that the council have put them together and are now asking the public what they think.”

Mr Robertson says that his policy would be even more strict than the council’s guidelines.

If it comes to fruition, his pole dancing club would have a strict over 21s policy.

The pole dancing would be part of a private, pre-booked evening therefore members of the public would not be able to walk in off the street.

The dancing would take the form of a stage show as part of an evening which would also include a meal and time in the casino.

Stewards would guard the dance floor during any performance and Mr Robertson, as the manager, would always be on the premises when such an event was taking place.

The council will consult with the police and representatives from the health, education, social work and young people sectors as well as members of the general public.

Chairman of the licensing board, Douglas Campbell, hopes scores of people will come forward to put their views across.

Cllr Campbell said: “Our licensing policy statement, fully effective from September 1, has to state the board’s view on adult entertainment.

“A provisional view is available and I would encourage anyone with an interest to take part in the consultation.”

Anyone wishing to submit their views should write to: The Licensing Board, County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR.