UK strip club rules exposed including where punters must place tips for dancers

The Purple Door strip club in Hull is seeking to renew its sexual entertainment venue licence. The club’s performers and premises must adhere to a number of specific rules set out in Hull City Council’s Code of Practice, including regulations on performers’ garters.

A UK strip club has been hit with strict rules punters and dancers must follow. The Purple Door strip club in Hull must adhere to the regulations outlined in a ‘Code of Practice’ issued by Hull City Council.

The city centre establishment is currently applying to renew its sexual entertainment venue licence. Such venues are required to renew their licences annually, with the council’s website indicating a renewal fee of £2,418.

A sexual entertainment venue is categorised as a location providing live entertainment intended to sexually arouse the audience for the financial benefit of the organiser. The Policing and Crime Act 2009, which provides details about such establishments, clarifies that both sex cinemas and sex shops do not fall under the category of sexual entertainment venues and are defined separately.

The council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2029 presents the ‘Code of Practice for Adult Entertainment Involving Striptease/Nudity’. This document outlines numerous rules that venues and performers must comply with, reports Hull Live.

Rules for performers

• Performers shall not engage in prostitution or soliciting
• Performers shall not fraternise with customers who are outside of the premises
• Performers shall not leave the premises until their engagement is fulfilled unless prevented by illness or injury
• Performers who leave the premises during the course of their shift shall not be re-admitted until their next working shift
• Performers shall proceed to the dressing area and get dressed immediately after a performance has been completed
• Performers shall be fully clothed when not actually performing. This should include appropriate outer garments, excluding dressing gowns and bath robes.
• No performance shall involve any physical contact between performers
• No performance shall involve the use of any sex article
• Garters worn for the collection of gratuities shall be situated no higher than mid-thigh
• Performers shall not be paid commission on the sale of beverages

There are also various rules specified for the premises themselves. For instance, the designated area for striptease must not be visible from the street. Another stipulation is that CCTV must be installed to cover all areas where dancing occurs.

The application has been submitted by Scarlet Lounge Limited, located in Beverley. Any individual wishing to oppose the application must provide written notice to the council’s Licensing Section, stating the reasons for their objection, no later than 28 days following the application date, which in this instance was April 9.