Health and safety fears for dancers at strip clubs

Union bosses say they are "very concerned" about leaks, damp and insect traps in the clubs

It is claimed dancers in two strip clubs are working in "dirty, unhealthy" conditions.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) says the Newcastle venues For Your Eyes Only and Blue Velvet, run by Maymask 202 Ltd, have problems of damp and leaking sewage.

General Secretary Sarah Woolley said she was "really worried and concerned" about her members.

The company disputes the union's claims and said while health and safety concerns had been raised, they have been addressed.

Ms Woolley said she was not calling for the clubs to be shut down, but urged the city council to look at changes to its licensing of sexual entertainment venues (SEV) to better protect workers in the sector, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Maymask 202 Ltd, which runs the clubs, accepts there have been issues with water ingress but says they are being addressed

A spokesperson for Maymask 202 Ltd, which does not recognise the union, said they were "very surprised and disappointed that BFAWU have chosen this course of action, which is clearly designed to damage our business".

The company accepts that the basement level of For Your Eyes Only has been subject to water ingress, but said it was not responsible and was "working with our neighbours and the property’s facilities management company to address that issue at the earliest opportunity".

The spokesperson added: "Where health and safety concerns have been raised, they have been addressed and we continue to monitor these at all times."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has obtained pictures of insect trap strip used inside the clubs

Newcastle City Council confirmed that it had not carried out an inspection of both clubs since 2022, but that it would now "pull forward" its next scheduled visits.

A council spokesperson said: "The allegations of poor working conditions in the clubs are very serious and we will instigate an investigation.

"However, while licensing policy can promote best practice and working conditions it does not cover the employment status of staff, many of whom are self-employed."