Strip clubs: The naked truth

POLITICIANS visiting strip clubs - what's the big deal?
Politicians, councillors, lawyers and judges have visited a Rotorua strip club, along with blue and white collar workers of both sexes.
The owner of Alexandra's Massage Sauna & Strip Club in Rotorua has revealed the occupations of the club's clientele after the spotlight was placed on the country's politicians.
They were asked this week "have you" after revelations that Australia's Opposition leader Kevin Rudd visited a strip club in New York on a taxpayer funded trip.
More than 35 of New Zealand's elected members - including Rotorua's Steve Chadwick - have admitted they have.
But Alex, who opened Alexandra's in Rotorua 12 years ago, has questioned what the big deal is.
"It's just another form of adult entertainment, that everyone can enjoy.
"We all undress in front of people, it's no big deal," Alex said.
Mrs Chadwick's visit to a strip club was part of a "field visit" when the Government was looking to pass the Prostitution Reform Bill.
"It was part of the prostitute collective, it was a field visit to massage parlours and strip clubs, we were looking into the prostitution industry and not the stripping industry.
"I found the whole experience quite off-putting.
"It was arranged so I knew how I would vote for the bill."
Waiariki MP, Te Ururoa Flavell, said he had never been to a strip club. He was not interested in discussing his thoughts on strip clubs in general or whether he had a problem with politicians visiting them.
"I think we have more important issues we should be focusing on."
Alex said there was a misconception that all strip clubs were sleazy.
"We always have people coming in and being surprised at how classy and clean the place is.
"We also encourage women to come and check it out. It is not a male dominated area.
"Over a third of our clientele are women. It's no big deal. If people are mature it is safe and clean fun. People come to relax and enjoy the fun-filled atmosphere."
Alex said television portrayed strippers as drug takers and law breakers. The reality was very different.
"Our ladies have to be very professional or otherwise they will not be hired.
"We do not condone drug-taking in our establishment.
"These ladies are just like you or me - they are there to make a living and I have the utmost respect for what they do."
Alex was advised not to establish the strip club in Rotorua.
"I was told Rotorua is too conservative for a strip club but look, we have been here for 12 years and we are still going strong."
The owner said the club's busiest time was after other bars in the city had closed.
Alex said the club was licensed under the sale of Liquor Act and so had strict guidelines on who can and cannot be served at Alexandra's.
"Under the Act you cannot serve drunks or people under the age of 18, otherwise we can lose our licence," The owner said.
"Legally a 16-year-old can go into a bar as long as they are with their parent or legal guardian.
"We, however, are a lot stricter, no one under 18 is allowed on to the premises."