Stringfellows lapdancing club on Dublin's Parnell Street closed its doors permanently yesterday after less than six months' trading, writes Ali Bracken.
Despite the closure, proprietor Peter Stringfellow told The Irish Times he was confident that another Stringfellows would soon be established in Dublin.
The Irish company that held the licence and operated the club, Sabley Taverns Ltd, cited continuing protests by local residents outside the club along with financial losses due to "legal proceedings in relation to licensing" as reasons for the closure.
The company has been involved in legal proceedings over its drinks licence and a legal challenge by local residents.
Sabley Taverns is now expected to go into liquidation. The firm's marketing and PR manager, John Sullivan, said: "For all the protesters might celebrate, people should not forget that an Irish company was forced to close . . . When tourists read about this, it's not a good reflection. It goes against everything this country is supposed to be about - advancement and democracy."
He added that the continuing protest had persuaded the corporate sector not to embrace the club and this had been a major deterrent to its success.
The company said that about 100 jobs had been lost through the closure and the vast majority of those affected were Irish.
Mr Stringfellow said yesterday that the closure was due to monetary issues with Sabley Taverns and did not affect him financially.
"I'm shocked, surprised and very sad. It was a beautiful club and still is," he said. He would love to set up another Stringfellows in Dublin and would now look into this.
"I will be looking with great interest as to who takes over the club on Parnell Street. If they are a professional company with expertise, I will talk to them about issuing another Stringfellows licence. Dublin was a very welcome addition to my string of clubs and I hope to continue my association with it," he added.
Some local residents in Parnell Street were last night celebrating. "I am so excited I can barely talk," said Vera Brady. "I didn't want a glorified strip club in my area."
She added that jobs were plentiful in Ireland and "there is no need for girls to be lowering and demoralising themselves".
Ms Brady, along with a group of around 15 people, has protested outside the club three nights a week since it opened on February 1st.
Mr Sullivan, for Sabley Taverns, insisted the club had established a good relationship with most local residents.
"It's a shame. Business had been good recently too. An Irish-owned, Irish-operated club is out of business because people don't like a brand name. This wouldn't happen in any other modern capital city."