Shuttered since March, strip clubs are among the bars and restaurants opening now that the provincial government has pushed the province into Stage 3.
“We can only allow 50 people and we have 450 seats so we aren’t busy,” Spiro, of the House of Lancaster — at Bloor and Dufferin Sts. — said, adding people must phone ahead to make a reservation.
“It’s been a lot of work getting ready to open and people — the dancers, bartenders, and waitresses — are scared to work.”
Tables must be two meters apart and there can only be 10 guests per table. Strippers can dance on stage, but guests cannot join them.
Patrons can only remove their masks if eating or drinking.
Howard Adams, president of Filmores Gentleman’s Club, said the process to open was “overwhelming with staff training and health requirements.”
Customers and staff must have their temperatures taken before entering.
“When a dancer is not on stage and is in the club soliciting business from a customer, well she isn’t in his bubble. She can approach the table but must have PPE on and when she leaves she has to sanitize the chair and table she was at,” Adams said.
If a dancer takes a customer into the Players Lounge for a lap dance, both must be masked.
The dancer must also wash her hands before and after and sanitize the booth for the next customer.
John, of Hunk Entertainment, is sending male strippers out to locations but there can only be 10 people.
“That is the way we keep it safe and I think things are getting safer,” John said.