Common Council decided to revoke a letter that would have been sent to Public Safety Minister Denis Landry questioning what can and cannot happen at exotic dance bars in the city.
The purpose of the letter was to let the Public Safety Minister know that council did not want any instances of full nudity at exotic dance bars in the city.
Mayor Don Darling says complaints were made that instances of nudity occurred at the newly opened gay bar called Club Montreal on Union Street
Darling says after speaking with the owner, it became clear that there would not be any unpermitted instances happening at the bar.
Club Montreal Owner Joshua Ernst says he had no idea that the letter was even being considered until he started getting calls from the media.
Darling admits city staff should probably have contacted Mr. Ernst before the process of compiling a draft letter was made.
He says next time, city staff will be asked if they’ve made contact with those involved to ensure the most accurate information is provided.
Ernst says the city knows his bar will bring people in from all over the area.
He hopes all of the attention his bar has received in the news lately will help speed the process up.
Ernst is still waiting to hear back from the province and says the plan is to have Chippendale performances once the license is issued.
Exotic dancers can strip down to their underwear, but nudity is not allowed in the uptown core.
**We hear from Joshua Ernst that he has received an exotic dancing license from the province and the matter is resolved**
