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“I’ve been in Alberta, I’ve been in British Columbia, I’ve been in Manitoba and they have strip clubs there where you can buy alcohol, and I don’t see any problem with it,” said Brown, though he doesn’t believe the petition will do any good.

Indeed, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority spokesman David Morris said, “A review of this regulation, it’s not a government priority at this time.SLGA will continue to enforce the prohibition against this type of entertainment in liquor-permitted establishments in the province.”

Even if the petition is successful, “I think the minister has been pretty clear on this one,” said Morris.

The petition is fighting “for the rights of women and men in a much maligned but vital industry.” It argues that “exotic dancing is a viable form of income for men and women who may not have the skills or education for other employment and still feel they have the right to a well-paying, safe and reliable job.”

Safety is a major issue for Jessica, because a lot of women “end up resorting to escorting, and that’s really sad.”

She adds that girls do private shows with only the protection of their bodyguard, and “how safe is that?”

Jessica argues that the law assumes people can’t control themselves when liquor and strippers are in the same place, and doesn’t give women the option of stripping as a profession.

“We’re going to fight this so that we have the choice to do what we want instead of people deciding for us,” said Jessica. “It’s a free country, so why can’t we choose to have strip clubs in Saskatchewan? It doesn’t make sense.”

Saskatchewan is the only province that bans stripping in liquor establishments.

Regina Leader-Post