A GLASGOW nightclub has been forced to make a grovelling apology after its advertising leaflets were criticised as "degrading" and sexist".

But a councillor has reported the venue to licensing officials and called for an investigation.

The controversy surrounds a leaflet being used by The Garage, in Sauchiehall Street, to promote its "Booty Call" evenings.

It features a rear view of a naked woman with her modesty covered by a red heart saying "Girls go free B4 12". There is also the slogan "Come see me this Friday".

The poster featured on the club's website but attracted a flood of complaints.

One said: "The image is deliberately designed to mimic the sort of cards that advertise sex work and sex lines.

"The image of the naked woman is objectifying and the text implies women are sex objects, there for the taking.

"Activists have criticised the sex-industry imagery, sex discrimination in entry prices and objectification of women in the promotion of the club night."

Green Party MSP Patrick Harvie admitted he was unhappy about the advertising.

He said: "The poster seems tawdry and unpleasant and probably has misogynist tones."

He raised the issue with Green Party councillor Nina Baker, who represents the city centre.

She said: "This is not just degrading to women, it is also degrading to men.

"The Garage has made a real miscalculation because something like this is bound to cause offence.

"I have asked the licensing authorities to look at the manner of the advertising, the £1 shot prices that may contravene licensing policy, and the discriminatory door prices."

As a result of the criticism, the nightclub removed the image from its website and replaced it with an image of a woman's mouth holding a Love Heart sweet between her teeth.

Bosses also issued a lengthy statement apologising for any offence caused.

It said: "The Garage is a fun student nightclub and often errs on the side of tongue in cheek with our promotions.

"When the Booty Call flyer was designed, it was with this in mind. We certainly did not mean to cause such offence.

"We certainly are not in the business of objectifying women and feel shocked this simple flyer has been taken in that context.

"We take the safety and security of our customers very seriously and regularly work in conjunction with Strathclyde Police and Glasgow City Centre Safety to ensure our procedures and security staff are of the highest standard.

"We are shocked and appalled to be accused of promoting any degradation towards women.

"We have been running clubs in Glasgow for over 21 years and consider the safety and security of our customers to be our top priority."

A city council spokesman said: "A licensing standards officer will meet management at The Garage to discuss the concerns raised."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk