We're still poles apart says club boss Forbes

Jul 10 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

POLE-AXED: Forbes Robertson is saddened by the board’s policy.

POLE for sale. One careful owner. For use anywhere in South Ayrshire – except in licensed premises.

That’s the ad Forbes Robertson is thinking of running in the Ayrshire Post.

For the Millionayr casino boss says he’s saddened by South Ayrshire Council’s statement on adult entertainment.

“I’m also disappointed I didn’t get more letters of support,” said Mr Robertson. I stood up to be counted on this issue, and I hoped others would back me.

“Most people I’ve spoken to think there’s nothing wrong with pole dancing. But not enough have written to the licensing board.

“I’m also very disappointed the board didn’t take me up on my offer to visit Millionayr,” added Mr Robertson.

“I was going to show them how I intended providing shower and changing facilities for dancers.

“And I was going to explain how I would run corporate evenings, with food, show and gambling.

“But I didn’t get a chance to do it.

“I don’t really know what the board’s statement says about life in Ayr in 2009,” said Mr Robertson.

“It wasn’t so long ago we were trying to get city status – now there’s no theatres and there can be no adult entertainment.

“I remember the board chairman, Councillor Douglas Campbell, telling me nudity was allowed on the Gaiety stage in Oh Calcutta! because it was art.

“So where do we stage art now?

“I don’t wish to be disrespectful to anyone, but I don’t think our licensing board is representative in terms of age,” said Mr Robertson.

“I also now know a church in Ayr orchestrated a campaign against adult entertainment.

“I have seen a leaflet urging the Christian community to stop Ayr ‘being brought down by opening the door to lurid adult entertainment’.”

“The person writing the letter urges people to be ‘nice, humble and Christian’, and says they should pray before writing.”