LAP-DANCERS have hit back at an MSP's bid that could see their clubs closed.

Two Glasgow students, who work part-time in Seventh Heaven, near Charing Cross, say Sandra White's proposals for laws to ensure all Scottish councils are given powers to refuse applications – and to shut all clubs if they want – could leave hundreds of people jobless.

As reported in the Evening Times on August 30, the Glasgow Kelvin MSP has lodged a Private Member's Bill two years after the Scottish Government rejected proposals to introduce a separate licence for clubs providing sexual entertainment.

Currently, lap-dancing clubs need only a routine public entertainment licence, similar to gyms and concert venues.

Media student Laura Smith, 22, who has worked in Seventh Heaven for two years, said: "We don't understand why this is happening again.

"There is nothing wrong with these clubs. It's just like a normal night club, it's definitely not sleazy. We get guys coming in on stag parties, couples and girls.

"If there is a change in the law loads of people will lose their jobs."

Ms White and other critics, including Mairead Tagg, of Glasgow East Women's Aid, have previously said the clubs oppress and exploit women and may be used as a front for the sex trade.

But fashion student Pheobe McMillan, 24, said lap-dancing was a "fun job" and added: "It's definitely nothing to do with prostitution.

"I'm not embarrassed doing this job, I don't think anything is wrong with it. It's not degrading because we choose to do this and this is funding my studies."

Seventh Heaven has about 25 full and part-time staff, with a pool of 40 women who regularly dance there.

Assistant manager Andy Cox said: "Lap-dancing is always getting associated with words like rape and prostitution and violence against women and it's not fair on this industry or the girls who dance. These are untruths.

"We are a heavily regulated industry as it is."

SNP MSP Ms White said: "The object of my Bill is to ensure adult entertainment venues are properly regulated and that councils are given the democratic choice if they wish these venues to operate within their area.

"The proposal is not mandatory and the important aspect of the Bill is that it reflects the wishes of councils and the resident public."

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk