Gentlemen’s clubs: licence to thrill?
Gentlemen’s clubs are suddenly a thriving part of the local nightlife industry. Kristina Chetcuti and Patrick Cooke paid a visit.
As a young woman gyrates suggestively around a pole in the skimpiest of underwear, other scantily clad women mill about – some seated by the bar, others chatting to customers or among themselves.
This is not Las Vegas but Paceville, close to the beach where several foreign students were arrested and fined for offending public morals while swimming naked last summer.
Yet gentlemen’s clubs have proliferated, with seven now located in the heart of what is the country’s most popular nightlife district – an area frequented by youngsters – and The Sunday Times found dancers offering fully naked private dances for €70.
This newspaper visited seven gentlemen’s clubs in Paceville and one in Sliema on two Friday nights between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. to witness what goes on behind the darkened doors.
The clubs are not difficult to find as their employees are out in full force on the streets of Paceville, handing out flyers and enticing revellers inside. Tourists are even given a taste of them on aircraft before their arrival, with full page adverts inside in-flight magazines.
Entrance to all the clubs was free and although they all had a visible security presence, there did not appear to be any clear signage prohibiting entrance to under 18s.
The ambience inside was not dissimilar to any other nightclub: dimmed lights, loud music and a bar. But unlike other establishments, patrons were sitting down, leaving the dancing up to the ‘girls’.
Although prices varied somewhat, in several clubs the journalists were quoted €15 to €20 for a private basic lap dance, €40 for a private topless dance and €70 for a private nude strip dance. Private dances take place in either lockable booths or curtained-off areas.
There was no sign of police monitoring any of the clubs on the nights in question. Patrons – and dancers – were smoking openly inside all of them. The journalists were offered a light and an ashtray by either a bartender or a dancer on more than one occasion.
Despite licensing laws permitting premises to stay open no later than 4 a.m., dancers in two of the clubs said they typically finished work at 7 a.m. at weekends – around the time the last customers leave.
None of the clubs were packed but clients were predominantly local and western European males aged between 20 and 50. Female customers were rare.
The vast majority of dancers, meanwhile, appeared to be eastern European, although this newspaper did speak to one Maltese dancer from Lija.
At the club in Sliema, the journalists witnessed a dancer running out of a private booth and a client escorted out by the bouncers.
In each location, The Sunday Times was approached – but not harassed – by the dancers within minutes of entry into a club and offered private dances.
In two clubs, dancers encouraged the journalists to buy drinks for them at €6 each, with one girl explaining she received commission from drinks bought for her.
Generally, the women did not give the impression they were there against their will. Indeed, there seemed to be a certain ‘camaraderie’ between them – at one club, the dancers sang an impromptu ‘happy birthday’ to one of girls.
But behind the smiles, one Hungarian dancer admitted she wished she could do something else – but she needed the money.
Are these clubs legal?
There is no specific classification for gentlemen’s clubs in terms of licensing – they are licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority as regular bars, discos or nightclubs.
The type of entertainment offered in a bar, nightclub or disco does not need to be specified when apllying for a licence, meaning owners are free to change their premises into a gentlemen’s club if they abide by the conditions of their current licence.
Maltese law is clear on two counts: no brothels and no indecency. But it does not distinguish between an entertainment nightclub and a pole or lap dancing club.
In 2005, the police arraigned a club owner and dancers over indecency, but the magistrate’s decision was clear-cut: being skimpily dressed did not amount to indecency.
The Attorney General has appealed against the decision but the case has stalled because the dancers have since left the country. However, a similar case is pending before another magistrate.
Lawyer Jose Herrera said the situation needs to resolved: “It is irresponsible of the government not to take the matter into its hands and regularise the position. This is a social matter not a legal one.”
Such clubs have no defined parameters and limits – it is not clear what is permitted and what is not. There is not even an age limit for entry to these clubs. If the normal bar regulations are followed, it means that anyone can enter, whatever their age, as long as they do not buy alcohol.
Dr Herrera said the state should not be afraid to face the reality of the situation: “Since these clubs are mushrooming we have to be realistic. These clubs are the norm in the western world, we cannot be too conservative, but they have to operate within a regularised framework.”
When presented with the facts about the current situation by The Sunday Times and asked whether the government has plans to amend legislation, a spokesman for the Home Affairs Ministry said: “Without prejudice to the pending court cases mentioned, the ministry is currently examining the laws regulating this sector with a view to determine if further regulation is required.”
The police did not respond to questions asking how they monitor gentlemen’s clubs.
What it takes to become a dancer
‘Girls wanted,’ read the sign on the noticeboard outside the Sliema gentlemen’s club. When the female journalist called the advertised number, it was answered by a woman with an eastern European accent.
She said dancers change all the time and when she needed a new girl she would call back, adding that no dancing experience was required, dancers are paid a basic salary and working hours are from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The website www.exotic-angels.com advertises jobs at gentlemen’s clubs in Buġibba and Paceville to foreign women. It promises no nudity, stage shows in a bikini, a basic salary of €32 per night, 50 per cent commission on the cost of a table lap dance, 15 per cent commission on the price of drinks bought for them and accommodation at €97 per month. It also says airfare is no longer paid by the clubs, suggesting it once was.
Fit for a gentleman?
On the recent boom in gentlemen’s clubs, one owner said: “You know what it’s like in Malta – when we see something successful that someone else has,we want it as well.
“Drinks are not expensive and we offer a nice alternative to normal bars and clubs, which makes us popular. Our club is clean, there is waitress service, the music is not too loud and generally it is more of an upmarket environment. That means we attract different types of people – not just men but mixed groups, women, gay people... our club is for everyone.
“Dancers are contracted at our club – it is like hiring a barman, there is no difference. Girls are aware of their duties and regulations... I don’t want to go into detail about ‘no touching’ regulations and things like that because legally it is a grey area, but our club is very clean and law abiding and we look after our staff.
“Unfortunately, perhaps not all clubs in Paceville obey the law and that means we all get unwarranted attention from the authorities.
“No one is allowed in our club if they are under 18 and security is strict about checking anyone who looks even 18.”
But not everyone subscribes to the view that these clubs are open to everyone and fit for gentlemen. Lorraine Spiteri from the Women’s Study Group said: “Calling them ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ gives the impression that the establishment is giving a service to one particular gender, thus excluding the other. Personally, I don’t think a real gentleman would step into such a place where women are seen as just a (sexual) device.
“International research (not conducted in Malta) has revealed that lap dancers can suffer considerable sexual harassment, humiliation from the club owners and customers, as well as threats of physical violence. They can be encouraged to drink alcohol onsite and expected and sometimes pressured to offer or agree to offer sexual services.”
What happens in the booth?
*David Borg, 18
“I was out with the lads celebrating my 18th birthday. A host of one of the gentlemen’s clubs approached us and encouraged us to go in.
“The boys paid for a private dance for me – €25 for the duration of two music tracks. The dancer was perhaps about 25 years old. She was wearing hot pants and a bra – and didn’t take them off at any point.
“Halfway through the dance, I started touching her. She didn’t move my hands away. The dance lasted about three minutes.
“I often go to these clubs, but don’t always buy a private dance. It’s like a bar, but one where you’re surrounded by beautiful women.”
(*name changed)
(The Sunday Times)
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116 Comments
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A. Moose
Nov 9th 2010, 21:56
Thank you Kristina and Patrick, for exposing this scandal. €70 for a full nude dance is absolute daylight robbery. When are prices going to be brought in line with the rest of Europe?
Charlene Giordimaina
Nov 9th 2010, 21:33
At least I'm glad to hear that the majority of these dancers aren't just Maltese women throwing away their body.
However I still get worried at the way some people are commenting on this article... as if there's nothing wrong, and saying things like that this is "persona freedom". I mean, what's next? The Hanky Panky Prostitution School??
V. Cutajar
Nov 9th 2010, 17:17
When I was on holiday in Bugibba. There is a stipes club and when I was haven a good time with on of the girls about 5 police men come in. That it was about 2am and I left 5 am the police was still there drinking. One of the girls the next day told me the go there regrura.
I head a nice Maltes girl after cappil of night I went there she come bake with me to the hotel for the rest of the night.
John Forster
Nov 9th 2010, 16:37
So whats new ? Have we all forgotten Strait Sreet.? No lap dancing but basically the same , just a bit more rough and ready.
Charles Sammut NY USA
Nov 9th 2010, 15:26
I am sure this story has a happy ending somewhere.
claire mifsud
Nov 9th 2010, 15:25
@C Cassar: WELL SAID. Sad individuals that find they need to get sexual entertainment from not so gentlemanly clubs and beyond instead of getting a life and a girlfriend to spend a nice dinner on. And as for all you silly men out there, most of you do these things behind your wives/gf's backs and think its ''normal''? What's normal is morality of which non of you seem to think is important anymore. Men who frequent such places have a sexual addiction and probably also frequent prostitutes or are polygamus whether in a relationship or not. Go spend your money on therapy and a weekend break with a worthy significant other.
rbuttigieg
Nov 9th 2010, 15:51
lol,,,another proof that sex is considered a weapon by some women, they get hot under the collar when they see a threat to their domain, calm down , hairy feminists armpits and bra burning is over, or is it?
Philip Sultana
Nov 9th 2010, 15:59
Clearly you don't fully appreciate that men are eternally attracted to young, beautiful women. Perhaps you come from an insular, protected background where sex outside a long-term partnership or even outside a marriage is considered taboo - you are not alone; many in Malta seem to have similar narrow-minded backgrounds, but read around a bit, delve into a couple of foreign newspapers which are now readily available on the net, to help broaden your mind and imbue you with some tolerance of people who may have a radically different outlook to yours.
Chris Finch
Nov 9th 2010, 18:56
Interesting to note Claire's 2 most important points in her argument.
1. Pay for a nice dinner for a woman.
2. Pay for a weekend break.
Whilst I personally don't frequent these clubs and find the transaction very clinical and lacking in feeling or emotion, I think that the return on investment is higher than Claire's option. After all doesn't it all end the same way. The man pays money, the woman gives it up.
Philip Sultana
Nov 9th 2010, 12:45
Once again the Maltese raise much fuss about nothing. The key notion here is civil rights and individual freedom .... people should be free to live as they will provided they do not hurt, obstruct, annoy or otherwise affect anybody else. Those who do not like this kind of night life have a simple solution: don't go there! It's not like these few clubs are going to impact Maltese society and culture.
Andre Spiteri
Nov 9th 2010, 16:55
Well said.
Unfortunately, many in Maltese society remain hell-bent on imposing their worldview on the rest.
g ellul
Nov 9th 2010, 12:28
This environment reminds me of Pat Pong in Bangkok, or the clubs in Pattaya. Plenty of such clubs in what is known as the Walking street in Pattaya.
M Vella
Nov 9th 2010, 12:06
why are there no government regulations for these clubs? regulations would make them safer for everyone. Otherwise this smacks of the Betting Outlets debacle - everyone interpreting the rules as they like.
C Galea
Nov 9th 2010, 11:47
good news for malta, the tourism industry and all alike. its nice to see choices available out there.
B Cremona
Nov 9th 2010, 04:49
Good we had all that fuss about leaving porn illegal in hotels. Tourists were having the real thing all the way...
Karl Consiglio
Nov 9th 2010, 00:23
The power of pussy cat.
Christina Malec
Jan 24th 2011, 16:30
If are not those clubs maltese men will go crazy!!They do need such clubs.No one oblige them to go there.
rbuttigieg
Nov 8th 2010, 22:55
to all women,wimmin,girls,ladies,dames etc etc, stop playing the naive please
dmamo
Nov 9th 2010, 10:03
@rbuttigieg
To you who doesn't really get it, stop generalising. L-ikbar hmar hu dak li biex jikkumenta ghandu bzonn jiggeneralizza u jara fiex/f'min se jwahhal
rbuttigieg
Nov 9th 2010, 10:13
@mamo...touched a raw nerve???again stop playing the victim game and the naive
dmamo
Nov 9th 2010, 10:39
@rbuttigieg-actually i think im the one who touched the raw nerve :) ok, mela ejja nilghabu l-loghba tieghek; we're playing the victim game u int ma tistax tara mara. kuntent? jekk tahseb li ggeneralizzajt - STOP PLAYING THE VICTIM GAME! kompli tbissem sur buttigieg ghax rnexxilek ddahaq dalghodu ;)
rbuttigieg
Nov 9th 2010, 12:06
@mamo..m not playing the victim. deep down everyone knows that there are instances in which a woman is used 'cos of her body but there are other instances where a woman uses her body. it's reality. the reality is that sex sells. both women and men are abused. to pay 70 euros to have a naked woman dancing in front of you , well it's a rip off. sex and seduction can be a weapon too, as every woman knows and m not referring to this specific case
dmamo
Nov 9th 2010, 12:19
@buttigieg: to pay 70 euros to have a naked woman dancing in front of you is not just a rip off, but there's much more to it. that's why i asked you not to generalise because not every woman is playing the naive and victim here. and you addressed your initial comment to every women! from experience, let me assure you that there are women who are not playing naive and victims, yet they have to see their husband frequently going to such clubs. i agree that sex sells, but i can never accept generalisations because it's simply unjust
rbuttigieg
Nov 9th 2010, 12:43
@mamo...i agree i generalized , my mistake. but one must admit that males have different perception to this. it's a fact. if it's right or wrong it's another matter. (culture etc.)
as i said men sometimes use the female but sometimes females use the male through seduction etc. just look around you, internet etc, porn for men is widespread. y? 'cos there is a market for it. If females were receptive to it as males i am sure it will be catered for .
as we all know rightly or wrongly selling sex has been around from we set foot on this rock.
sometimes it bacfires on females, sometimes it backfires on the male. in a way, all are used
dmamo
Nov 9th 2010, 13:59
@buttigieg:agreed. filghodu 'dahhaqtni'/irrabjajtni, hekk hafna ahjar. fuq din ghandek ragun...
albert muscat
Nov 8th 2010, 19:45
@ Adrian Warrington. Dear Sir, You seem to be involved in the entertainment business, nothing wrong with this at all. Here I would switch to businessmen vocabularies. Do you think entertainment business is profitable and the government is benefiting from it’s revenue? The quick answer to this simple question is yes, the long term answer is a big NO and unmanageable disaster that harm the entire society I am afraid! You may agree with me that governments do not produce money but manage money collected from taxes. And reducing the taxes would lead to a lower standard in all government-related services such as health, education…etc. My question, what would you say if the amount of taxes collected from entertainment businesses much less than the money the government spending on health related problems in connection with health issues connected with some products in the entertainment business (cigarettes and alcohol…etc) ..is there any government could afford this? Would tax-payers agree on such abuse? I DO NOT
Adrian Warrington
Nov 8th 2010, 22:33
@Mr.Muscat. One thing i know for sure, that the goverment is making more money from paceville than the club owners, without investing money, while the owners take the risk of shoving in hundreds of thousands of euros to set up their clubs for a little return, if not break even like in the winter months. And my answer to your question is that no goverment can afford this.
albert muscat
Nov 8th 2010, 19:21
J.Grech. ‘ Everybody deserves to live life freely’ I am all for freedom (responsible freedom). Along with others we would agree with you that everybody is free to live free life. BUT when this freedom is negatively touching my pocket and reflecting badly at the society at large (in forms of children allowances to single mothers that chose to have babies out of wed locks, alcohol and drugs rehabilitation programmes ..etc) one must stop and think why are these social disease are spreading? And who’s fault?. I find no harm at all in setting up regulations for the common good. Whether regulation coming from the government or the Church or a Mosque is irrelevant I presume. What's wrong about having regulations after all?
J.Grech
Nov 9th 2010, 00:20
"BUT when this freedom is negatively touching my pocket"......a prostitute or a gentleman's club only touches your pocket when you use their 'services'.
Plus there is no need of prostitutes or lap dancers to have single mothers and alcohol abusers.
Re-drugs and alcohol etc i agree that they should be regulated because their effect is devastating.....but when it comes to the sex-life of the citizens, I beleive that there should be no impositions as long as its consentual from both sides.....
You referred to these as a 'social disease'. For me, social diseases are rapists, child abusers, drug traffickers, domestic violence and thefts/hold ups.....not a man (or a woman, i once saw a gentleman's club in Paceville advertising a 'ladies night' once a week) who pays money for 'thrills'.
A Schembri
Nov 8th 2010, 18:10
There is NO NEED to attend strip clubs is PaceVille!!! Walking through it's streets is enough a show complete with vulgar actions from today's teenagers!! Disgusting and girls without any dignity, throwing themselves at men. In clubs and at parties, you can see them performing what seems to be similar to a wild mating ritual of some lost Tribe!!!1 in a way its HILARIOUS
Adrian Warrington
Nov 8th 2010, 17:20
What is worst? That a man goes to a private club to see a woman naked, even if he has to pay for it, or to send your kid to a church school, and is abused by a priest? This is what bothers me not gentlemen's clubs. Should we close the church schools then. Why does it bother these holy people that clubs are open till 07.00? ( besides these clubs are fully soundproof and music is low). Most probably these holy man are in bad at that time with their partner. So what if i want to go to a club at 08.00am. who has the right to stop me. In other countries these clubs are open 24/7, and thats how it should be here. I work in paceville, all night, and after i finish work i like to go for a drink, but i can't on this island, because of stupid mentality of these holy people who can do nothing better then comment about things they don't know. If you don't like these places, just don't go, but you have no right to stop those who want.
Bjorn Gauci
Nov 8th 2010, 15:26
Gentlemen's club. God forbid these are the gentlemen of today. These clubs are nothing different than brothels.... Simply disgusting.
albert muscat
Nov 8th 2010, 15:26
Can anybody be kind enough and elucidate why we find many brothels where men can go and have sex with prostitutes while on the other hand we hardly find brothels for women to visit and have sex with men? Shall I call this discrimination against women? The aim of my question is not discussing discrimination; it’s more in connection with preserving women dignity ..Whether it’s coming from Iran or the the EU is irrelevant at that stage!
J.Grech
Nov 8th 2010, 14:37
Everybody deserves to live life freely......all these comments by these "holy" persons are really irritating.
If a girl chooses to lap dance or offer sex for money, its her choice and she should be free to do so, as long as there is no exploitation by the club owner or by any other third person.
On the other hand, if a guy wants to go to a gentlemen's club to see a naked woman or wants to have sex with a prostitute, he should also be free to do so!
This moral imposing attitude is really unbearable. I cannot see what difference does it make to everyone!!
My point also applies for divorce, sexually explicit theatre, pay-per view hotel porn etc...etc...etc...
Is it ethical to legislate morality?? Should or governments tell people how to live their lives and impose moral values?? I beleive not.
albert muscat
Nov 8th 2010, 13:08
Some modern or not modern test questions:
How many pro-modernization apologists find no objection to send their mothers, daughters, wives or sisters to work as a dancer in such clubs please?
What constitutes decent and indecent? Who decides what’s decent and indecent? I mean how many inches a woman should cover to be decent or uncover to be indecent?
What are the dress code for female dancers in these clubs?
Which of the following a woman should wear to be modern
G-string, C-String or a bikini?
Today you find many women in tribes from South America, South Africa and South Asia that are running around nude. Are women from these tribes are much modern than their western counterpart that still wear some clothes?
For the first time I am happy to see none-Maltese are taking jobs from Maltese! The wind of cultural self-destruction is blowing from the East and not from the south as many may think! This rubbish that changing the Maltese culture hardly blow from the south anyway!
Jesmond Micallef
Nov 8th 2010, 14:10
Indeed, the East. Rest assured its not just Malta thats bearing the crunch in this regard but other continental european nations too. These Gentleman's clubs promote only one thing, there is money in the sex trade, and quite alot of it, too. Make it pimps (gentlemen apparently) or indeed women who choose this avenue for easy money or becuase of limited alternatives. There is also another unfortunate aspect to this, but I tend to think that some women treat men like dustbins too.
May God protect the human race from itself.
Daniel Vella
Nov 8th 2010, 15:39
If the women themselves opt to make a living out of this, then let them be. I would, however, condemn any kind of sex trade (that is, the woman is somehow tricked into prostitution)
DGalea
Nov 8th 2010, 12:09
There will always be a steady and regular supply for such services as long as there is a steady and regular demand for them. This has been so since time immemorial and will remain so till the end of time.
L Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 11:31
Mela, No DIVORCE, No porn in Hotels, No stitching (Unifaun play), No to cohabitation, No kollox u IVA strip bars...if you want to be a liberal country nhallu kollox, mhux fejn jaqblilna! Jidher dal pajjiz imexxi minn IRGIEL - kemm fil knisja u fil partit! kollox li jaqbel lilhom!
Christian Sciberras
Nov 8th 2010, 12:20
I'd really like to see Dr Gonzi or Dr Muscat attend one of them clubs....we'd get instant scandal reviews on TV faster than one could say "club". Xarabank and Bondi+ would probably be on the front-line ("Int taqbel?!")!!!
Sorry, I just couldn't stop myself form imagining all that ridiculous melodrama!
L Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 12:52
@ Christian Sciberras
Tahseb li Gonz u Muscat ma jafux bijhom dawn l-clubs! imma they are too busy arguing who will get in Divorce first...we have a red light district in Malta basically...imbad ninkwetaw ghax ha jkun hemm play li tista tinfluenza n nies hazin! pfff u leeee
In Malta everyone tries being holier than the pope.
Christian Sciberras
Nov 8th 2010, 20:21
L Borg - Intik eur 200 jekk issibli ritratt wiehed ta' Dr Gonzi f'dawn il-clubs....!
L Borg
Nov 9th 2010, 07:16
@ Christian
Il problema ma nidholx fijhom - rest asure i wont be the only one putting their pics on FB or You tube! lol
EDWIN DE MARCO
Nov 8th 2010, 10:15
Where is the female protagonist? This picture must have been taken during the break! lol...
ray sacco
Nov 8th 2010, 10:12
in this unique country we can be everything but straight and normal! this island has become home to the gods of hypocricy! we have laws and rules but the same authorities keep twisting around them! so we allow these "gentlemen's clubs" scattering around the island while police raid a garments shop for having a naked manequin!!!!!!!!!!!! we do not allow sex shops while we find dildos and vibrators in souvenere shops!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we do not allow divorce but we accept annullments from an institution other than civil government and divorce from abroad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! our leaders want to give the impression that our country is more catholic than the vatican, but on the other hand they do not want to step on certain heads! this country has become a joke!
J. Scerri
Nov 8th 2010, 09:52
Imma kif kwazi kullhadd irid jilhaq salib xulxin f'dan il-pajjiz pseudo-kattoliku mimli falsi-moralisti u Puritani !!
Issa jekk persuna trid tmur f'wiehed minn dawn il-klabbs u thallas €100, lil min ghandu jinteressa ? Hawn minn ihallas dan l-istess ammont kull gimgha f'sigaretti (biex ma nsemmix xorb u Droga) u dawn apparti il-hsara li jaghmlu ghal sahhithom, jaghmlu hafna hsara lil ta madwarhom bid-duhhan taghhom. Nahseb Iktar dak hu IMMORALI !!
L'uniku haga li jmissa tigi introdotta hi li f'postijiet bhal dawn ikunu jistghu jidhlu 'over 21' biss biex zgur ma jkunx hemm abbuzi. Il-bqija nahseb mhu affari ta' hadd bniedem fejn imur !!
Mark Seychell
Nov 8th 2010, 09:39
If you don't like it, just don't go. I don't like it, so I don't go. But I don't stop someone who likes it from going. Each to his own, live and let live.
w. caruana
Nov 8th 2010, 09:34
Reading the below comments mainly by man I cannot but wonder if these same man are the same ones that I see everyday in their cars stripping down women with their own eyes as if they never seen a woman, or the same man that go on 'business trips' and visit brothel houses adjacent to the strip clubs or even coming down to Gzira. I've seen loads of husbands coming in for a quickie the same ones that I would see holding hands their wife and children on a sunday morning for mass. It is probable their wives reads these comments and so are restricted to such comments. I am in favour of these gentlemen's clubs instead of the filthness we have in Gzira at least they are in a closed monitered environment.
Jesmond Mifsud
Nov 8th 2010, 15:47
Kemm tissendika qed inghid!!!
j.Camilleri
Nov 8th 2010, 09:15
I see nothing wrong to have such places. it keeps our streets safer and away from perverted people. I would rather see a pervert in there satisfying himself than seeing a victim being raped. We have better things to discuss on the island than wasting time on how others wants to enjoy themselves.
J. Bugeja
Nov 8th 2010, 08:37
Gentleman's Club??? hahaha The article still doesn't answer the question why these clubs stay open till 7am or even later!!! If all clubs are licensed to stay open till 4am why the police doesnt stop them like other clubs??? The police don't even go to check what's happening inside....people smoking and drug abuse is very popular in those clubs...Im not in favour of those clubs being closed down...we are living in 2010, however the law should be equal that like every other club it stays open till 4am involving frequent checks by the police especially for drug abuse.
steve bajada
Nov 8th 2010, 07:13
i would like to comment on such artice because this is the first joke of the week . i am not one that attend to such gift but be aware that this is done in a private place . no one comes in your house or private property to check on you so why such article i dont know. if one is not interested just simply dont attend , the funny thing is that journalist should investigate or comment for example the brothel there is in marsa where the illegal imigrants are or hal far same thing but this time behind their sheds . adding to this what about testa ferrata street in one of the commercial flats/apartments or on some private yachts that are hired for similar events. i beleive that as well friday nights some bars are popular for similar activities or perhaps you never heared about private hen's parties .dont tell me that you dont know about these because i will still coninue laughing about it .
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 11:18
Mr. Bajada, when hens parties are done they are usually done in a restaurant and even though funny things are done and typical items are also used, girls do not pay to get a man naked in the middle of a restaurant. That may happen in a house but not in restaurnats so dont mix up things in a babuljata. Taking your same argument if someone does this in his house, it's up to him but such clubs are open to everyone, even to teenagers since no one is there checking on them.
Do you think that a responsible and mature husband would go there? No I don't think so. People attending there are just perverts who as some said they don't have the ba**s to get into a normal relationship and have a partner. What are we getting into? For the sake of the new millenium this country is rotting in hell, destroying people instead of safeguarding them. Usual cartoon country, the police are there just against what they like and the church is another time a manipulist. They don't want divorce but they are leaving such pig actions to happen.
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 07:11
As if there aren't enough perverts and unfaithful husbands, we have also these bars. First the maltese society doesn't want divorce, then these clubs open up actually driving people to go and eventually ending up with a prostitute or god knows what. What do you think that happens when there are "dancers offering fully naked private dances for €70." Here I see a very good opportunity for a marriage to start a divorce situation.
Another thing that shows irresponsibility is "there did not appear to be any clear signage prohibiting entrance to under 18s". Are we joking??? How about feeding our teenagers some values and respect???
This country is every day rotting and maltese people are only able to put on alot of BLA BLA BLA than when we come to facts, thus enforcing some values into the kids growing up today we fail completely. When is there going to be someone teaching some self respect and discipline in this country?
Ludwig Flask
Nov 8th 2010, 06:45
“€70 for a private nude strip dance” hmmm!
What is the job designation of the 'dancer'? So is employing people to strip nude legal?
We have Gentlemen's clubs, but why can't I legally open a 'bordello'?
And what about the local massage adverts (with erotic pictures) available daily?
D. A . Agius
Nov 7th 2010, 22:15
LOL at some of the comments below. Listening them, one gets the impression of the Malta which is still firm in Catholic belief and morals. Holier than the Pope!
What some of the people below fail to see is that this is a society of money. Hard cash or "pjaciri".
Why do you think these establishments are open? It's because some make their money from these places. Same like the other busniessmen makes money by speculating property, the other by selling drugs, the other by selling alcohol, the other by selling unfairly other items.
This is a money society. Are still blind and believe that the powers in the country believe in morality or religious beliefs? open your eyes!
Hard Cash. That is the new GOD.
Whether you agree or not with the ways one actually gathers money, that's your personal opinion. The laws, the structures, the persons, possibly the bribes, are all in place to ensure that money gathering businesses like these will thrive.
If you honestly believe that this will stop, your place is either in a Mental Hospital or back to the kindergarten to hear fairytales.
mario busuttil
Nov 7th 2010, 21:58
WE NEED MORE PLACES LIKE THESE,SO THERE WILL BE COMPETIVENESS,,,,,LOVE LAP DANCERS
Ben Zammit Tabona
Nov 8th 2010, 08:17
Hysterical!
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 11:20
Qed turina kemm int matur siehbi.
Joe Xuereb
Nov 7th 2010, 21:56
Sexual monogamy is not a fact of life. Maltese men feel a bit hemmed in when it comes to certain freedoms. Going to a club like this allows him to be a little bit 'naughty' with his friends: let off the leash for an evening or two. What's wrong with that. As long as he behaves and does not squander money that should be spent on the kids, home, wife, what is wrong with that. A little bit of breathing space could save a man's marriage. He may lust after a wriggling woman round a pole but really, he prefers his decent woman at home.
OK, lap-dancing is a modern thing. But let's not run away with the idea that the past joints like these, and worse, did not have their equivalent in Malta.
E. Calleja
Nov 8th 2010, 16:48
Yeah right.. are you a marriage counsellor by any chance?!
I'd let you live in your world of distorted reality had you not given the impression that it is in any way acceptable for a man to do such things in a marriage (especially without the wife knowing).
Martin Scalpello
Nov 7th 2010, 20:56
These places are utter disgust. The disrespect and materialism of the human body is at best! And don't tell me we don't know what goes on in those cubicles!
mario caruana
Nov 7th 2010, 20:50
Fejn ser insib il-ferh ta' hajti? Ferh ta' veru u mhux dak artificjali u li malajr jghaddi. It-twegiba jaghtiha Santu Wistin:
'O Alla ... Int hlaqtna ghalik u qalbna ma ssibx kwiet jekk ma tistrihx fik.'
Il-hajja hi qasira wisq ... Ghal kulhadd. Ma nahsibx li hemm iktar xi zzid.
Ernest Vella
Nov 7th 2010, 20:38
no comments...ma mmurx qieghed nimponi!!! Imma nahseb il-mara jixraqilha ahjar...issa jekk trid tkun trattata ta oggett...well have fun...imma mbaghad tippretendix rispett jekk lanqas int m'ghandek rispett lejk innifsek.
Sejjhilhom li trid imma mhux Gentlemen's club...ghax mhux gentleman li juza mara biex iqanqal il-moqzizajiet ta' mohhu. Gentleman huwa wiehed li mara jtiha valur, jirrispeta lilha u d-dinjita umana taghha
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 11:09
Ghall-inqas fadal Gentleman ta veru minn dan il-kumment.
Naqbel mieghek 100%
Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Nov 7th 2010, 20:21
The challenge is to make sure that such clubs are properly controlled and that both dancers and spectators are consenting adults and that there is no pressure exerted on anyone to do what they do not want to. Other than that, it is nobody's business what men and women do with their bodies.
Alex Ciantar
Nov 7th 2010, 20:18
Let’s get it clear. I do not frequent these clubs as I do not need to but on the other hand if they are doing no harm such as into exploiting anyone I see no harm in them at all. They are discreet and only open to adults therefore adults are responsible enough to decide what and where to go and what they spend their money on. If anyone does not like these clubs they do not enter it’s as simple as that!!!
V. Chetcuti
Nov 7th 2010, 20:14
Wow, how thrilling! What a contrast, on one side women are constantly fighting for their rights and on the other hand, some females like these dancers (who are a different form of prostitutes) have forgotten their dignity thus giving the impression to empty like minded men that a woman's assets are her face, breasts and bum and absolutely nothing else! How can these kind of women expect any respect when they don't even respect themselves?
This article states that, 'Generally, the women did not give the impression they were there against their will'. Who knows whether there are the usual crime gangs behind the scenes who get these women here by stating that there are good job opportunities and once arriving to Malta they find themselves working in these so-called thrilling clubs?!
I urge the authorities to investigate properly to check whether all is in fact legal and appropriate and not another scheme to earn money easily with the aid of these so-called dancers.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 19:38
I wonder if the Bishop of Gozo knew about these clubs..lol
Jesmond Micallef
Nov 7th 2010, 19:32
Gentlemen's club !!! .................MY FOOT...........!!!
m vella
Nov 7th 2010, 19:16
Most important is that we have no divorce HaaaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :)
J.Borg
Nov 7th 2010, 18:46
If you dont like them simply don't go in no one is forcing you. Let people do what they want with their money. At least these girls are protected by the bouncers and police if something was ever to go wrong. At the push of a button on their mobiles police will be coming to help them not a pimp.
Pule' Carmel
Nov 7th 2010, 18:22
In a modern life( a city) one can be continuously surrounded by people any yet feels alone with no company. The price of living in a modern city is that one needs to pay to have a compromise company as we read in this article. City life brings with it such a complex artificial society, blinded by lights..
Jesmond Micallef
Nov 7th 2010, 20:36
Good one, Profs Pule' !!
Joseph Vassallo
Nov 8th 2010, 00:43
Perhaps this is what the author had in mind when he wrote "You are never so much alone as when you are in a crowd".
M Fenech
Nov 7th 2010, 17:48
(part 2)
Something which shocked me (when reading this article) is that there is no police presence in these clubs which should be there at least to check if people are smoking not to mention other things they could also check for.
I hope that those responsible will take the necessary actions so ensure these clubs are completely legal, ensure all existing laws are enforced and where necessary amend these same laws if they are not clear enough.
M Fenech
Nov 7th 2010, 17:47
There are a number of things which worry me about these clubs. How are these women brought to Malta? Are they brought here against their will? Do the owners find desperate women whose lives are hanging on a thread and bring them here? Do they know exactly what they are going to find when they are in Malta including what their job is and the exact conditions or do they face these terrible conditions when they are here and it is too late for them to turn back? If this is the case could it be another case of human trafficking?
More over I would like to know if these women and working in Malta legally or illegally, if they have the necessary work permits and if they are treated the same as every employee working in Malta should be treated and pay the necessary taxes?
rbuttigieg
Nov 7th 2010, 19:38
quite a substantial amount of quarry workers don't want to work there also
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 07:14
Good comments M. Fenech. I agree with you perfectly. Where is the church in all this? Isn't it going to say something or it has only words to condemn divorce?
There is alot to look into when such clubs open. This society is ruining itself with its' own hands. Don't you realise that people are being sold here?
Robert Callus
Nov 7th 2010, 17:46
So, an editor of a NON PROFIT newspaper distributed in University is facing criminal charges on obscenity laws. All this because the newspaper included a story, which is a PARODY of a sex addict. Yet, this seems completely legal.
PS: I am not in favor of obscenity laws, not even in this case. However, I do have serious doubts how much these women are doing this out of personal choice. Probably they are not physically harmed, but people can be forced to do things through other means in what falls in a "legal gray area"
leo attard
Nov 7th 2010, 17:35
now that the Times has spilled the beans, what will the police do about it? --- it is illegal, isnt it? i mean, there are rfeferences to fully nude dancing taking place
Dan Jensen
Nov 7th 2010, 17:34
And also an aspect this article did not cover (or I missed it), was the fact that you are constantly offered sex if you go there. That is in my opinion not right.
Frankly, the biggest reason most people go to the strip clubs is because they can be open much longer than the bars and discos, which close as early as 4 where as the strip joints don`t close before 7. Where is the law for that btw?
Btw. who actually run these bars? It is no coincidence that everyone working there is only there for a few months and comes from other eastern European countries...
Vincent Galea
Nov 7th 2010, 17:29
Are we human beings naturally pansexual ?
Scientist Michael Gumert discovered that Macaques monkeys also pay for sex. While researching 50 monkeys on average one female monkey have intercourse 1.5 times per hour.But if a male grooms a female that may increase to 3.5 times per hour.The grooming is done by picking fleas of each other.If there are many females around then the "cost" of sex drops - a male can buy a female for eight minutes of flea picking. if however there are few females, then the male has to groom her for 16 minutes before she gives her consent.
C Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 17:39
Plenty of fleas in these new places that have opened in Paceville, truly flea pits.
Steve Sant
Nov 7th 2010, 17:12
You do what you like with your own money, so long as you are not deprived of it, or taken advantage of. It would be bad if you were forced to enter, or that the girls who work there were forced to do this against their will. If drugs roamed freely, or alcohol served to minors then that would be against the law. If none of the above occurred, and you don't like what you see, don't enter, its simple. Just like pornography, its not free, if you do not like it and the above applies, then do not watch it. For heavens sake, are we not adults with a clear mind. If someone tells you its good to hit yourself on the head with a hammer, would you do it?.
A.Busuttil
Nov 7th 2010, 17:02
Dawn il postijiet ghandhom bzon ikunu kontrollati bil ligi. Min imexxi dawn il postijiet mhux VERU li qed josserva l-ebda ligi . Dawn hekk imsejha KINGS ta Paceville jghamlu li jridu u kull tant nahseb li jghaddi kollox ghal dak li jghamlu. Jekk il Kumissarju tatl Pulizija u l-Kumissarju tal VAT ikunu jafu sewwa x'qed jigri gewwa ir Red light ta Paceville. Dan il post qed jithalla abbandunat mill awtorita biex kullhadd jghamel li jrid. Miniex kontra li jinghataw licenzji.Imma dawn irridu jzommu mar regoli. Jekk il kumissarju tal taxxa u tal VAT jaraw sewwa l-investiment li qed issir ikunu jafu sewwa dak li qed nipprova nghid imma ma nistax nghidu ghax il ligi tas sufara se nibqu nsaffru. Ma nistax nifhem kif it times.com iddeciedet li tghamel din li storja il Hadd fil ghaxija meta hadd ma jkun qed jaqra u hadd ma jkun qed jiccensura l-entry li wiehed jibghat. Dan ilpost se jkisser it turizmu u lill uliedna. L-awtorita trid tara jekk iz zeffiena humiex studenti li SUPPOST qed jitghalmu l-Ingliz.. VALURI??????????/fejn jaqblilna
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 07:18
Values??? I think those against divorce would accept a husband going in these clubs as long as he remains married to his wife in the eyes of society. This is hypocrisy. Where is Joe Zammit, to give us his views on these things????
M Mealclaff
Nov 7th 2010, 16:55
I Remember During the 1960's in Malta.
There was a bar in Gzira named ' The Snake pit '
Now that was a REAL Gentleman's bar !!
Anyone remember it ?
M Vella
Nov 7th 2010, 18:47
I remember it vividly... 'cos each time I used to catch the 61 bus with my mum she used to make me cover my eyes when we passed close to the bar... cos there was always Sandra tas-Snake Pit dancing under a disco ball... God knows what happened to her nowadays!!!
R.Borg
Nov 7th 2010, 16:48
U jghidu li m'hawnx flus f'Malta!
Ghall-kontijiet tad-dawl u tal-ilma m'ghandhomx!
U halluna!
Evviva l-Credit Crunch!
Qligh tal-flus frott il-hazen tal-bniedem!
Nibbojkottjawhom!
S. Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 16:45
Unbeleivable! And then the authorities have the nerve to ban artistic expressions like the play Stitches!!! Wonder why. Maybe the producers of this play would never think about handing out free tickets to their plays??
Now that's a thought, how about having these producers stage a performance of stitches in one of these nightclubs? It would be funny to have the police barge in to stop the play whilst naked women are dancing wildly about! Hahaha
Karl Consiglio
Nov 7th 2010, 16:44
I got nothing against such places as such, except that everything is so extreme in this country, since they are now being allowed, Paceville's center is suddenly all about them. Another thing that bothers me is having a stranger come up to me asking me to buy her a drink(from which she gets commission). I'm thinking of opening a place, with the same trend, except that instead of girls I will have drunk and smelly beggers come up to its clients in the same way.
yaz tabone
Nov 7th 2010, 16:27
they arent causing me any harm, or anyone else as far as i know.. whats the problem? i ve been to a couple of these clubs myself and its nothing shockin (the ones i've been in at least), just a girl dancing on a pole, in her underwear. the people werent even takin notice, either drinkin at the bar or chattin. if people think that this is promoting sex then what century are they living in?? sex has been here a loooooong time before these clubs opened, if your shocked with this then have u ever been online??
a prostitute is "A person who performs sexual activity for payment".. these are women dancing on a pole.. BIG difference!!
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 07:22
And what about this sentence Mr. Tabone?
"dancers offering fully naked private dances for €70". Isn't that prostitution? What do you think happens afterwards????
Come on this is clear licenced prostitution. And then the police go to Gzira to arrest prostitutes. Might as well leaving them do their job in our streets, if our country has come to such free animal lifestyle.
Sean Grima
Nov 8th 2010, 08:39
prositution is offering sex, not dancing, whether naked or clothed.
P. Borg
Nov 8th 2010, 11:07
And when a woman ends up naked infront of you, what does she requests Sean???? Do you think men will stay there looking with a bucket of popcorn just like a cinema??? As usual your comments lack the real truth just the same as when you comment on illegal immigration. You live in fairytales. Nothing is wrong for our society. I am waiting for the moment you will get to love our country.
Andrew Farrugia
Nov 8th 2010, 12:49
"...these are women dancing on a pole....BIG difference"
People need to be more careful about the way they express themselves; there might be some mischievous, dirty minds who might start asking lewd questions about "poles" and "how big"!
yaz tabone
Nov 8th 2010, 19:18
stripper - a performer who provides erotic entertainment by undressing to music prostitue - A person who performs sexual activity for payment i have nothing against strippers or prostitues.. y should i??
l fenech
Nov 7th 2010, 16:27
Variety is the spice of life.
Anthony Micallaf
Nov 7th 2010, 16:13
Valuri Valuri Valuri (Maltin)
M Schembri
Nov 8th 2010, 13:54
Valuri?! Down the drain habib.
Imma llum il-valuri m'ghadhomx moda. Illum l-importanti li tkun modern u mohhok miftuh, u naturalment m'hemmx lok ghal valuri f'socjeta moderna. Kulhadd alla tieghu nnifsu.
Il-mara spiccat oggett tal-perverzjoni maskili.... Is-sess spicca pjacir tal-gisem qisek qed tiekol bicca kejk jew tilghab video game minflok risultat ta l-imhabba bejn il-koppja.
M.Borg
Nov 7th 2010, 16:10
FOR THE LOVE OF HORMONES DON'T SHUT THESE DOWN :D
Joseph Calleja
Nov 7th 2010, 15:27
" Maltese law is clear on two counts: no brothels and no indecency" And what do you call this? Pure and clean entertainment? But then we are all in awe when we mention divorce, birth control pills, condoms, gay and lesbian, cohabit and the sort. Hallina Guz. I am pretty sure all politicians and the church laity know exactly what goes on in these gentlemen clubs as a matter of fact they might have visited themselves, if not I suggest they do, incognito of course. It all boils down to money and honey and of course politics. Call them what you want, I call them sex clubs and they thrive on the young and of course perverts. How come the bishops have nothing to say about these clubs and a certain minister is afraid of pornography? Most of the time what happens inside does not stay inside and that is the worst of it. Most of it all comes out in the streets of Paceville. Wake up people.
Ian Bronsworth
Nov 7th 2010, 15:45
The uniqueness of Malta has died away with its fight to “modernize”. This island used to be a jewel and is now just another European country giving up its charm to attract the mighty Euro just like a prostitute losing all her dignity. It used to be a place where people like me used to find refuge away from all the madness in my country. What a shame.
Joseph Calleja
Nov 7th 2010, 16:34
Mr Bronsworth I can't agree with you more. Money greed and corruption has taken over this once innocent, beautiful island. Tourists like you used to come here for peace and quiet and the friendly atmosphere of the Maltese people. Where did all that go? Have we become that modern? Have we Maltese lost the charm, the pride and the charisma that we once had? It's a big shame if we did. Maybe too much of something good is not that good after all.
A. Schembri
Nov 7th 2010, 16:52
Not trying to justify them at all. However, quoting you...
I am pretty sure all politicians and the church laity know exactly what goes on in these gentlemen clubs as a matter of fact they might have visited themselves, if not I suggest they do, incognito of course. It all boils down to money and honey and of course politics. Call them what you want, I call them sex clubs and they thrive on the young and of course perverts......
It looks like you have tried them to know what goes inside? How come you are sure that politicians and the church laity have tried them since you state 'As a matter of fact'!! For you to know you must have witnessed some of them inside, in which case I will classify you as one of the 'of course perverts'
Think before you point fingers.
Joseph Calleja
Nov 7th 2010, 18:09
Mr Schembri if you read correctly I said and I quote. "as a matter of fact they might have visited themselves," You forgot the word MIGHT. As far as visiting myself it's none of your business and also for your information I am not a member of the church laity or a politician. Why are you so defensive of these clubs anyway? The two reporters visited the club too, does that make them perverts? I think you are the one pointing fingers. Look who is calling the kettle black. Besides you won't know unless you try, you know what I mean?
Joseph Calleja
Nov 7th 2010, 18:09
Mr Schembri if you read correctly I said and I quote. "as a matter of fact they might have visited themselves," You forgot the word MIGHT. As far as visiting myself it's none of your business and also for your information I am not a member of the church laity or a politician. Why are you so defensive of these clubs anyway? The two reporters visited the club too, does that make them perverts? I think you are the one pointing fingers. Look who is calling the kettle black. Besides you won't know unless you try, you know what I mean?
J Mizzi
Nov 7th 2010, 20:42
You are right up to a certain point but I've noticed you've wrote that you call them sex clubs. I would like to assure you that no kind of intercourse happens in these clubs. Quoting from the article "At the club in Sliema, the journalists witnessed a dancer running out of a private booth and a client escorted out by the bouncers." What do you think that client tried to do?
C Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 15:04
Thses places attract perverts, are seedy and again, the Maltese can't come up with anything new. They simply copy the worst from other nations. I very much doubtthe environment in these establishments is safe for any female, whether working or visiting.
m cauchi
Nov 7th 2010, 16:11
get a life !
C Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 16:44
Unfortunately it's those who enter such places who need a life. They've really hit rock bottom if they have to watch a girl in a bikini on stage and then pay her money to to take her clothes off.. Sounds like those that frequent these places can't form any kind of relationship with a female on their own due to their insecurities in life. DOes that ring a bell m cauchi?
K.Anastasi
Nov 7th 2010, 18:16
Have you been? C Cassar ?? Or are you talking about something you have no idea about!
rbuttigieg
Nov 7th 2010, 19:33
@C.Cassar.....LOL
C Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 19:57
@K.Anastasi: These places are for those guys who can't get a girlfrend for numerous reasons, they have to pay to see a girl in her underwear. How sad - they're clearly missing out a lot on the real thing.
mario aquilina
Nov 7th 2010, 21:05
C. Cassar -
These days, it is much much cheaper, to pay, for a five minute wonder, than keep a wife.
Fully naked private dances for 70 euros. Are you meant to just stare at the fire, without poking it!