Male strippers cause upsets in Auckland

Press, 4 May 1984, Page 11

Male strippers cause upsets in Auckland

•PA Auckland An Auckland club which bans male customers from its male strip shows is being investigated by the Human Rights Commission, and in Howick angry residents are

demanding an end to male strip shows in their local pub. The Human Rights commissioner, Mr Graeme MacCormick, has confirmed that a complaint had been lodged against the Retro Cabaret in O’Connell Street. He refused to name the complainant, but said he understood the man was refused entry to the strip show. The club admits only women viewers during a performance. Men are allowed in after the show. Mr MacCormick said that the commission was investigating the complaint, but might not release its decision for between one and three months, depending on how quickly the parties responded.

The club’s owner, Mr Graeme Jay-Smith, said yesterday that he had a strong case for banning men from the audience. The show would otherwise be impossible, he said. Male strippers at the Beefeater Restaurant in Howick have upset some local people. One woman, who did not want to be named, said, “We pride ourselves on the village aspect. Leave the strippers in the city.” She was one of a group which complained to the Howick Borough Council about the show.

The hotel’s manager, Mr Merv Cropp, said that the weekly performances were popular with Howick women and he had no plans to stop them.