During the lifetime of the current government the growth of the "lap-dancing phenomenon" has been unprecedented with 150 clubs in 2004 and 300 today.

Current legislation means that registering a "gentleman's club" is as easy as opening a pub or cafe, with no special legislation required, does this mean our society is more tolerant of these establishments?

'Sex encounter establishments'

Under new proposals lap dancing clubs will have to register as "sex encounter establishments" like sex shops in order to prevent them being located near to schools and areas that might affect the local community in an adverse way. However the growth of sex on the internet and the way in which programmes on television have used sexually explicit scenes has made the "sex business" in this country more and more legitimate and more profitable.

Estimated revenues are around £500 million according to figures issued by lap dance trade bodies.

The Independent interviewed Dr Blackman Wood Labour MP for the City of Durham, who has opposed the "proliferation of lap dancing clubs" through a bill in the House of Commons which attempts to place these establishments in the same group as sex shops.

But whatever legislation is introduced the state of our society is such that "another way" will be sought to quell the thirst of men to see women naked, either via massage parlours or private establishments. By having the lap dancing clubs in the open is it not a better way for the government to control and tax these companies who control these venues?

Extras sir?

Reports that lap dancers freely give out numbers to clients for "extras" has increasingly been on the rise, and The Independent has shown that sexual harassment in these clubs is rife. The fact still remains that the women that work these establishments have done so on their free will, and chose to strip in front of clients for money.