SophistiCats strip club on Brewer Street faces objections for license renewal amidst wage theft and toxic work claims.
The club denies these claims, stating that banks froze the performers’ wages. SophistiCats plans to eventually pay when funds free up. If funds stay blocked after six months, they will pay then.
John Mckeown Clubs Ltd manages SophistiCats and wants the city to renew the license. This license covers stripteases until 3 AM most nights.
Some people object to a renewal, saying dancers are owed lots of money. One objector described a bad work environment, claiming dancers had to sell expensive Champagne.
The objector continued, detailing how the rules at the club kept changing constantly and customers sometimes acted inappropriately. The managers, according to the objector, did nothing to assist staff.
Another person stated that the club environment felt toxic to many workers, causing dancers to develop mental health issues that continue to impact them even to this day. They want the city to consider the dancers involved.
A customer spoke about Champagne sales pressure, which he claims caused uncomfortable situations with managers. He noted that dancers face pressure to sell Champagne, which helps customers pay for dancers’ time, and felt exploited and very uncomfortable.
The customer called this pressure “pimp-like.” A dancer reported no sanitary bins, and hygiene levels were deemed “extremely low”. Additionally, the club allegedly misleads customers on Champagne prices.
Reportedly, leaving the club is tricky after money goes unpaid, and dancers are warned that quitting means no future pay, resulting in a loss of money already earned.
Someone shared a legal letter in objection, claiming the club owed dancers over £20,000. This amount was for five different dancers. SophistiCats was asked for their comments, and the council will review the license tomorrow.