A controversial strip club can keep its liquor, but not its strippers, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board ruled yesterday.

In a 108-page page decision, the board stripped the Sensations club in Dartmouth of its adult entertainment privileges as of Friday midnight, and pulled back last call from 3:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Blame the club's sometimes unruly patrons, the board said.

"There are safety issues, particularly for women and seniors, being created in the neighbourhood by the persons attracted by the adult entertainment at Sensations," the decision read.

The club's neighbours planned a party last night to celebrate the decision.

Catherine Walker said they are all looking forward to enjoying their neighbourhood again.

"Obviously there was a lot of thought that went into the decision," she said. "Our voices were heard."

But club manager Javis Roberts said if residents think the decision means no more strip club, they're wrong. Sensations intends to have dancers on stage this weekend with a full array of new sexual services.

"It's going to be the first real strip club in Nova Scotia," he said.

One option would be to surrender the liquor licence this weekend, thus getting out from under the restrictions governing stripping that come with the licence.

The club would then be covered by the city's far more permissive zoning rules, he said.

"You can do touch, you can do full lap dance, you can do full table dance."

Sensations opened in January to a storm of protest from residents. On opening night, more than 70 area residents picketed in front of the club. It has been blamed for bringing increased prostitution, littering and public urination to the surrounding neighbourhood. Other residents have complained about being accosted by men coming from the club.

   

Will there be strippers??

   

Maybe CanadaKA can organize to find homes for unemployed dancers.

   

OK, I have a soft spot for attractive Bulgarian strippers with tight, petite bodies.