STRIP shows and saucy table dancing are being banned in Bury.

Councillors have buttoned up the laws in the wake of a growing number of such events, including some booked at one of the council's own halls, the Longfield Suite in Prestwich.

The existing rules bar public entertainment which is deemed offensive to public decency. This has now been extended to specifically prohibit "the performance of striptease or similar dancing".

Licensees will now have to apply to the council for a waiver to lift the ban for a particular event. This would be advertised, with objections from the public placed before councillors who would decide whether to allow the show.

The conditions range from setting down clothing requirements - all performers must wear at least a G-string - to dressing room arrangements, prominent signs barring under-18s, and making it clear that there must be no physical contact between customers and performers.

A town hall spokesman said that the council would have more control of the event before it actually happens. Everyone would know what the show contains and what the rules were, rather than problems - including any public objections - coming up after the event.

They would also give more protection to the performers themselves. The measure was approved by councillors at the last meeting of the licensing panel.

Labour councillor Paul Nesbit, who represents Sedgley ward in Prestwich, said he was personally "not uncomfortable" with such shows.

"People have a choice if they want to see a film or whatever: I shouldn't be sitting in council censuring what should be done," he said.

"But we should make sure that they are decent, that they don't move beyond what they should and become pornographic.

"From my point of view, people can do whatever they wish within reason, so long as it doesn't go over the top, for instance no audience participation."

His views were shared by fellow panel member, Lib Dem Holyrood councillor Wilf Clegg.

Coun Clegg said he voted for the new rules not because he had received complaints about a specific show but because they were necessary in general terms.

"Unless I receive complaints that someone has taken offence, then I won't have a problem with a show," he said. "But if a show did offend people, the council didn't have any guidelines.

"There are more shows like this taking place in the borough. The Ladies Night at the Longfield is the one I am aware of, but I would not be surprised if some of the new venues in Bury would hold such events. We need to set guidelines."

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