THE OWNERS of a pole dancing and lapdancing club which opened amid controversy in Kilkenny six weeks ago have announced that the venue is to close two nights a week.
Company director Dave Coughlan said the Whispers bar and club would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday nights because "it's a quiet time of year and nothing much happens until after St Patrick's Day".
He said the midweek break was "good for the girls as they all get a rest and come back in better form". The club would continue operating from Thursday to Monday each week and that business was "tipping away".
Customers who request a girl to lapdance pay a minimum of €30, rising to "as much as you want to pay depending on the length of time".
There is no charge to watch displays of pole dancing.
Kilkenny local authorities are awaiting a decision by An Bord Pleanála, which has been asked to rule if the opening of the club constitutes a development and therefore requires planning permission.
Councillors were opposed to the club opening but said they were powerless to prevent it.
Meanwhile, a small group of protesters continues to picket the club peacefully every Friday night.
Mr Coughlan said that similar midweek closing arrangements would apply at the company's club in Waterford.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/9ed01860-e504-4ffb-bf98-8414c5453d2e.png)