Strip and lapdancing clubs in Glasgow could be at risk if the council agree to investigate the way they operate.
The Scottish Government believe sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) should be licensed and has advised every local authority to gather evidence to see if the public, workers and businesses agree.
There are currently four strip and lapdancing clubs across the city which members of the local authority may need to visit if they agree to take part in the process.
They have been asked to establish if SEVs in Glasgow should be licensed, if they are eventually licensed how many there should be and what should be included in their policy statement.
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Depending on the results the council will decide to either limit the number of strip clubs or eliminate them altogether. This could also affect theatres who sometimes provide entertainment of this nature.
The consultation which is expected to go ahead will take at least two months to complete.
SEVs are defined in the legislation as any premises at which sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience or with a view to the financial gain of the organiser.
There is currently no legal requirement for SEVs to be licensed under the 1982 Act in Scotland.
If the premises in which the sexual entertainment is taking place sells alcohol then the premises at the moment would only require a premises licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.
This includes “adult entertainment” as an activity on the approved operating plan.
But it was recently decided that the 2005 Act is limited to the sale of alcohol and and does not include SEVs and new regulation is required in Scotland.
Through the proposed consultation process, evidence would be gathered on a wide range of issues relating to the licensing and regulation of SEVs, in line with the Scottish Government guidance.
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The number of SEVs across the city and their location would be confirmed, particularly in relation to schools, places of worship, businesses, charities and nearby residential areas.
Glasgow City Council would also have to assess the effect these venues have on local communities including public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, protecting children and young people from harm and violence again women.
They will need to look at any incidents involving anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults and how SEVs are operated with opinions sought from employees.
Community council’s adult and child protection committees, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and violence against women partnerships will also be invited to give their opinion.
Members of the licensing committee are expected to discuss the issue this week and agree to carry out the consultation.
