Chinese karaoke clubs ecstatic after axing of planned pole dancing ban

New Delhi, May 12 (ANI): Entertainment companies in an industrial hub in Guangdong province, China, were seen celebrating on Monday after a potential ban on pole dancing was deleted from a new regulation.

When an initial draft of a new local government rule for entertainment and recreational venues barred the performances, it left Karaoke clubs and bar owners fearing.

However, all their worries were relieved when the move was scrapped for the final version at the weekend, reports the China Daily.

"The initial draft to disallow pole dancing aimed to nip erotic performances in the bud. But we've found no law in China that forbids pole dancing, so we decided to delete the very stipulation," said an official surnamed Wei at the culture, broadcasting and press bureau.

The new regulation will be in force for five years.

It is said that the scrapping of the plan to ban pole dancing will be a massive boon for entertainment companies in Guangdong province, which has already been adversely affected by the global financial crisis.

An ecstatic Liang Shao'ai, who runs a karaoke bar in nearby Chang'an town, said: "Pole dancing is very popular among the youth here. If the performances were not allowed our business would definitely be hit.Pole dancing is not an erotic performance. It is a healthy performance as long as the organizer does not make it erotic. At least we don't need to reshape our facility or think up new acts to attract customers. You know, the business this year is much poorer than before."

According to officials, other aspects of the regulation will prevent any erotic performances at the city's venues, including a detailed stipulation to make "all balconies transparent" to people on the street outside.

The local government is also planning crackdowns on some 200 unlicensed facilities this year, targeting illegal performances, venues with safety issues and infringements on intellectual property rights by karaoke bars. (ANI)