LICENSED premises looking to stage strip shows will have to apply to the City Council for permission if councillors agree new rules this week.

The local authority plan to regulate striptease and nudity performances as local pubs and clubs look to bring in erotic acts.

The new rules state that all strip shows must be recorded throughout on CCTV and that erotic dancers should not take off their G-strings.

Lancaster's Chicago Rock Caf is looking to stage a show by male strippers later this month and could be the first to be granted permission under the new rules.

Explaining the regulations a city council official said: "All CCTV cameras shall continually record during striptease and nudity performances and the video recordings shall be kept for a minimum of 28 days with accurate date and time markings."

This measure has been included so that any complaints about the nature of the performance can be resolved quickly and easily.

The videos will also be used to determine whether a performance was legal or obscene.

The erotic performers are also to refrain from any physical contact with members of the audience.

The new regulations were discussed today (Thursday) by the licensing committee and, if introduced, any licensed premises in the area looking to stage striptease shows will in future have to apply for permission from the council.