The nine performers work at Spearmint Rhino clubs in Sheffield and London

This article is more than 11 months old

This article is more than 11 months old

The names of nine strip-club performers who were filmed by private investigators working with campaigners concerned about the exploitation of women should be revealed, a judge has ruled.

Mr Justice Nicklin rejected an anonymity application by the nine performers, who work at Spearmint Rhino clubs, after analysing arguments at a high court hearing in London.

But he said the names of the nine would stay under wraps pending any appeal against his decision.

The nine performers, plus Spearmint Rhino bosses, are embroiled in a fight with campaign group Not Buying It. They want to stop Not Buying It circulating footage taken by private investigators at Spearmint Rhino clubs in Sheffield and Camden, north-west London, earlier this year.

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The dancers say publication could infringe their human right to respect for private life. They want only their initials to appear on a case claim form.

Mr Justice Nicklin says there is no justification for such a move. But he said the names would not be revealed until the performers and the bosses had decided whether they wanted court of appeal judges to consider the issue.

Details of the case emerged in a ruling published by Mr Justice Nicklin on Monday. His ruling listed the nine performers as: AAA, BBB, CCC, DDD, EEE, FFF, GGG, HHH, III.

Not Buying It thought there was a risk of strip-club performers being exploited, the judge said. The group thought the public had a right to know “what actually takes place” in a “sexual entertainment venue”, he added.

He said Not Buying It had recently focused its campaign at Spearmint Rhino clubs in Sheffield and Camden.

“Not Buying It campaigns against sexual entertainment venues (strip clubs or lap dancing clubs), in particular where these breach the regulatory framework and specific conditions attached to their licences,” Not Buying It chief executive Dr Sasha Rakoff had told the judge in a witness statement.

“We are concerned that such breaches cause harm to those who work within such venues and society generally.”

Rakoff added: “It is essential for the local democratic process that any decision to continue to license these venues is subject to proper scrutiny.”

The performers and bosses began legal action in July. Their bid to block the circulation of footage has yet to be considered at a trial. Not Buying It had agreed not to circulate footage until a judge had made a decision, Mr Justice Nicklin said.