Strip clubs reopen: Which Gold Coast clubs are back

Some Gold Coast strip clubs have reopened while others remain shut because of social distancing requirements. SUBSCRIBE TO SEE REOPENED CLUBS.

Surfers Paradise strip club Hollywood Showgirls is reopening after being shut for four months – but social distancing rules must be adhered to. Picture: Glenn Hampson

STRIP Clubs are grappling with being allowed to reopen due to 1.5 metre social distancing required between patrons and dances during private shows.

Strip clubs could reopen on Friday under eased Stage 3 restrictions but lap dance rules were still evolving in the hours prior to flinging open their doors, club bosses say.

Surfers Paradise strip club Hollywood Showgirls planned to stick with reopening on Friday night despite a requirement for 1.5m social distancing during private dances. Picture Glenn Hampson

Surfers Paradise venue Toybox Showgirls had been promoting a reopening party this weekend but axed it, telling followers on Thursday: “Unfortunately we have received updates advising restrictions we were unaware of initially when planning our reopening. Due to these restrictions, we have made the decision to push back our reopening party until our staff and customers are able to actually enjoy themselves.”

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A Toybox spokeswoman says due to the distancing requirement it could only host three private dances in its lap room at one time.

But Hollywood Showgirls – which has much bigger lap rooms on nearby party strip Orchid Avenue – was back trading as of Friday night with its stages open for dance shows and intending to push ahead with offering private shows despite the limitation.

Hollywood owner Craig Duffy was hopeful rules could ease further on Friday night just before opening.

Hollywood Showgirls owner Craig Duffy: “Just the normal razzamatazz.” Picture: John Gass

Industry sources said they were hopeful touching may be allowed if strict contact tracing measures were in place including numbered seating and taking of patron details.

Under normal pre-pandemic rules, private dances must involve a chaperone and can include touching. But a frustrated Duffy was still seeking clarification on the fine print ahead of Friday’s 9pm relaunch.

“I’m still trying to get my head around it – they have released COVID safe plans for the adult industry but they keep changing. I’ve heard three different versions in four days.

“The girls and staff are very excited. The dancers are happy to be back in action. We were one of the first to be forced closed and were last to open.

“There are some restrictions in terms of private dancing but other than that it’s business as usual. We can serve people at the bar too, which is good as a lot of people like to walk to the bar and buy their own drink.” Asked if he planned anything special to celebrate, Duffy says: “No just the normal razzamatazz.”