In this lucky country, Australian women live with equal rights and opportunity to be whatever they choose, whether that is a doctor, a mine worker, a housewife, an entrepreneur, or a skimpy barmaid.

However, there are some people, even feminists, who believe women could not possibly make the choice to be a skimpy barmaid, let alone "really" enjoy it even if we say we do. These groups mean well, but their energies are misdirected, their values are outdated and their view of topless barmaids is misguided.

I have done skimpy, topless and nude waitressing work all over Western Australia since the late 1990s and now my business supplies skimpy barmaids and dancers to more than 100 venues, including Ian Strover's Sixty-30 Tavern in Merriwa, which is fighting for the first permanent topless licence in WA since the 1980s.

It's already a hard time for hotels to turn a profit, and the laws around skimpies in WA are the strictest in the country, but certain religious and political groups in Australia seek to further tighten legislation to restrict bikinis or topless draw-cards in licensed venues.

Times have changed

Morality around nudity is a lot more liberal than it was in 1980 when these conditions were last laid down. People now see more beautiful female flesh in public via Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, music festivals, nightclubs and the beach than we are allowed to show or see at adults-only pub venues.

Male entertainers are permitted to be seen in a G-string, but not females. Ladies Nights and topless male waiters are on the rise, as are male strip clubs. This is where real equality exists, when either gender has the option to go and gawk at a hot body plus have some banter with an attractive member of the opposite sex over a drink. Equality and freedom for women does not come from prohibiting men from having a little responsible adult fun.

Respect for a woman is expected, no matter what she is wearing.

Feminists insisting strippers need to cover up and stop working for the safety of women everywhere are not that different from a culture that says women should cover themselves so men aren't tempted.

Why should we limit women from this lucrative and enjoyable occupation just because a few people sometimes lack manners?

Let's give men more credit and realise the less stigmatised and taboo female nudity is, the less provoking it will also be.

Public demand exists

Topless barmaids and dancers should be allowed to be featured in any adult drinking venue provided they are in a screened-off room, with signs and security warning people what they may see inside, and alternative rooms in the venue to use if preferred.

Public demand for topless shows exists. When I saw Forever Crazy topless revue at Crown Casino last week I was surrounded by mature couples who didn't find bare breasts offensive. It's not uncommon to see topless sunbathers on regular beaches, and while it may cause a little excitement for some, nobody makes a scene or complains. Kids can access way more on any smart phone.

I don't stand to gain financially from topless barmaids becoming legalised — I make the same commissions if they stay in bikinis, and we book out for topless parties at private homes every weekend.

Decision makers should be listening to the people it matters to, and not academic and religious groups with moral agendas.

Natalie Baker is owner of Perth's Best Girls and Skimpy Heaven Perth.