Regina City Council Sheds Plan For First Strip Club

REGINA - A packed public gallery gave a standing ovation when Regina city councillors voted to reject a proposal for the city's first strip club.

Council voted nine to one Monday night against an application from Edmonton businessman Bryon Gottfredsen to set up a club in a former bar.

The concept had previously been approved by the city's planning commission, following changes to provincial liquor laws.

Concerned citizens, members of church groups, a lawyer and even a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders football club were among those who spoke against the application.

Shawn Fraser was the only councillor who voted for approval, saying they were dealing with a legal application.

Mayor Michael Fougere says council made the right decision.

Richard Lepp, who spent 27 years as a police officer in Saskatoon, spoke against the proposal. He said strip clubs bring with them the possibility of organized crime and human trafficking.

"My experience as a police officer in Saskatoon was that many of the women employed in these venues were managed, controlled, contract spot-and-sold by national networks," he said.

David Lee, a defensive end with the Roughriders, echoed Lepp's feelings.

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Regina City Council Sheds Plan For First Strip Club