Council decision sparks clash between operators and campaigners
The recent decision by licensing committee members to pursue a change that could effectively phase out sexual entertainment venues in Aberdeen has drawn a sharp response from local operators and cautious approval from a violence‑against‑women partnership.
Owners of the city’s strip clubs say the move came without prior consultation and risks removing income for performers and staff. At the same time, campaigners argue the change aligns with efforts to tackle commercial sexual exploitation and advance gender equality.
Operators say they were not consulted
One operator, who runs two venues in Aberdeen, described the committee’s action as coming "out of the blue" and said the industry had not been engaged in advance. He told reporters the decision left owners and staff "a bit confused" as to the reasoning behind the change and stressed they would have been willing to meet the committee to discuss any proposed reforms.
"There was no actual reason for it to suddenly happen, so we are a bit confused as to why they should do this. All they are doing is harming themselves by taking away the work of those girls who do it."
Those running venues warned the change could remove livelihoods for performers and others employed by the sector unless alternative arrangements or transitional measures are offered. They also said they would be open to working with the committee to modify practices if required.
Support from violence‑against‑women partnership
The Aberdeen Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership (VAWGP) publicly welcomed the committee’s stance. A spokesperson said the partnership regards sexual entertainment venues as a form of commercial sexual exploitation that is "incompatible with gender equality and contributes to the objectification of women".
"The partnership supports measures that reduce and ultimately eliminate commercial sexual exploitation."
The VAWGP’s position places it in direct contrast with venue operators, highlighting the tension between protecting workers’ livelihoods and pursuing measures aimed at addressing perceived harms associated with sexual entertainment.
Edinburgh precedent and possible legal challenge
Whatever course Aberdeen’s committee pursues, the debate will be influenced by what happened in Edinburgh in 2023, where a similar attempt to restrict sexual entertainment was overturned after club owners and performers launched a legal challenge. That outcome underlines the potential for further legal action if affected businesses regard a change as disproportionate or procedurally flawed.
- Operators’ view: Change was sudden, lacked consultation and risks jobs.
- VAWGP’s view: Sees venues as commercial sexual exploitation and supports reduction measures.
- Legal context: Edinburgh's 2023 decision shows such moves can be overturned through the courts.
With both employment and equality arguments in play, council members will need to weigh competing priorities. Any alteration to licensing policy could have immediate effects on existing premises and staff unless the council introduces transitional provisions or opens a period for consultation and impact assessment.
| Stakeholder | Position | Noted comment |
|---|---|---|
| Local club operators | Opposed; seek dialogue | "Out of the blue... harming themselves by taking away the work of those girls" |
| Aberdeen VAWGP | Supportive; seek elimination of commercial sexual exploitation | "Supports measures that reduce and ultimately eliminate commercial sexual exploitation." |
| Edinburgh precedent | Legal challenge overturned restrictions in 2023 | Relevant to potential legal risks |
Members of the public and those with an interest in the night‑time economy are likely to watch Aberdeen’s next licensing committee meetings closely. The council will face decisions about process as much as policy — whether to open consultations and impact assessments, and how to manage existing licences if new rules are adopted.
The outcome will shape the future of a small but visible sector in the city, and the debate brings into sharp relief broader conversations about public policy, employment and gender equality in Aberdeen’s night‑time economy.
