Pub cancels lap dancing session due to furore

A BAR owner who planned to host a lap dancing session tonight has cancelled the event because he said he didn’t realise the controversy it would cause.

Dave McCarthy, who owns Tom’s Tavern Sports Bar in Fermoy, Co Cork, said he wouldn’t attempt to stage such an event again in light of the furore it had caused in the town.

The mayor of Fermoy had criticised it and a member of the public had made an official complaint to gardaí.

“I cancelled it because I didn’t realise it would cause so much controversy,” said Mr McCarthy.

“The gardaí called to me and asked what type of bar licence I had. I told them I had an ordinary seven-day licence. I think I may have needed a dance hall licence as well,” he said.

Earlier in the week he said he would be happy to host two lap dancers who regularly perform at Secrets nightclub in Cork city. His bar, which was to host the event free of charge, was expected to be full. It can hold 150 people.

“There was nothing sleazy or hidden about it. There’d be no nudity. You’d see more on TV,” said Mr McCarthy.

Mayor John Murphy said he was pleased lap dancing would not be staged.

“I’m glad common sense prevailed on this one. It’s a successful pub and I think it should stick to what it knows best,” he said.

“I don’t think this type of event is wanted by the people of Fermoy.”

He added that if people wanted to attend lap dancing sessions, they were available in Cork city.

Christian Democratic Party spokesperson Mairéad Scannell said: “lap dancing is immoral, degrading and unsuitable for Fermoy.”

A garda spokesman confirmed they had spoken to Mr McCarthy and informed him they would have monitored the event.