Strippers to save Seven Sisters Road pub?

The landlord of a historic pub on the Seven Sisters Road has come up with a novel way to avoid closure during difficult economic times - by introducing naked table dancers. Altarslan Bali has applied for permission for "striptease and fully nude tableside dancing" at the pub - to be renamed Club Imperial - in order to improve corporate revenue and avoid the closures that have affected neighbouring pubs.

Earlier this year, Bali resurrected the famous Red Rose Comedy Club which launched the careers of stars such as Russell Brand, Eddie Izzard and Al Murray, and has played host to comedians Richard Herring and Sahzia Mirza since reopening. Despite a warm welcome for the return of the comedy club, however, The Red Rose has still been struggling.

Bali claims the new move will help not only his own business but also those nearby: "I brought the comedy back which has brought people into the area

from far and wide and they spend money in the local shops, and I hope

this will do the same," he said."It will be corporate adult entertainment rather than girls on the

streets, and you get 10 times less violence and drugs at strip clubs

than you do at normal bars and nightclubs because of the increased

security."

Red Rose regulars welcomed the move, hoping it would help their favourite pub survive. "It'll happen after we've gone home and if it keeps the pub alive we're right behind it," said Kim Galvally, a regular for over 25 years.62 year-old Mary King added, "Mr Bali runs a tight ship with very good security, and he's a

family man himself, so he would make sure it didn't infringe on local

people."

Sergeant Chris Walsh of Finsbury Park Safer

Neighbourhoods Team, also had praise for the pub management: "Under the previous landlord, a lot of

people well-known to police were being let in.The new landlord has barred any disreputable people and has been trying very hard to maintain the premises and make a living."

Not all residents are happy with the new proposals, however. Six Acres area panel representative Paul Delappe complained that the new licence would "add to the sleaziness" of the area, and councillor Phil Kelly  added, "We have to stop these sleaze merchants preying on our community."

Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn, who was a different kind of regular at the venue when it was the headquarters of the North Islington Labour Party until 1990, has also voiced his opposition to the plans, calling strip clubs are "exploitative of women".

Bali is adamant, however, that his club will be well-run and not cause harm to either the history of the pub or the reputation of the area. "I want to change Finsbury Park for the better," he says, "and I promise I will do the best for the community."

Are strippers the only way to save the Red Rose from closure? Have your say below!