"Magic Mike" themed male strip show cancelled in Abbotsford

A male strip show that was scheduled for an Abbotsford pub has been cancelled and set up at different locations, thanks to a city bylaw that bans exotic dancing.  The “Magic Mike” themed show was scheduled to happen at The Station House Pub in April.  Apparently neither the owners of the pub, nor the organizers of the event knew that the city actually has 3 bylaws that regulate exotic dancing.  Tickets for the event had actually sold out, but have since been refunded.  Exotic dancers ARE allowed in Langley and Aldergrove, so organizers have planned a show for the Alder Inn.

City of Abbotsford’s explanation:

1.      The City of Abbotsford’s Licensed Premises Entertainment Regulation Bylaw No. 506-97, specifically prohibits exotic dancing. Section 3 of the bylaw states: “No person shall perform as a stripper or an exotic dancer in any premises in the City of Abbotsford which are licensed under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.”

2.     The City’s Zoning Bylaw  sets out where Restricted Commercial use can take place and 3122 Station Pub is zoned C2 which does not permit ‘Restricted Commercial’ as a use, as per the Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw No. 2400-2014. Restricted commercial is defined as (as per zoning bylaw): “means any premises or part thereof that may provide exotic entertainment, adult motion pictures, adult videos, good or services appealing to or designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations; including but is not limited to: adult entertainment stores; exotic dance entertainment establishments; adult video stores, and adult movie theaters.”

3.       Section 11.11 (e) & (f) of the Consolidated Business License Bylaw No. 1551-2006 states (i.e. liquor establishments licensed under the liquor control act must comply with all city bylaws): “The following conditions/terms apply to all businesses licensed under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act of British Columbia, (e) entertainment & (f) compliance with city bylaws.”