‘Go-go’ clubs feeling the COVID pinch - Operators say they feel left out of the conversation

Operators of 'go-go' clubs believe that as establishments that provide valuable adult entertainment, they have been left out of conversations about the fallout the entertainment sector has endured due to COVID-19.

"Over the past 10 months, I would say we lose couple millions well in earnings, and we still have the bills to pay just the same. We have to still pay light, water, cable same way. We affi keep the facility clean and up to par and so we have to be taking those moneys from our pockets and it really rough," said Clayton McDermott, club manager at Shades Nightclub in Ocho Rios. "And the worst part is that it seem the powers that be forget people like us. We hear all the conversations happening but me or nobody I know from this side of the industry has been a part of any discussions."

McDermott said exotic entertainment is just as important as any other sector in entertainment.

"We are an entity that should be recognised because not only do we provide employment for many individuals, but people come to us to relieve their stress. We provide a very important service, and in this pandemic, we are especially needed because many people want to unwind and rejuvenate responsibly in an adult environment," he said.

Negative business

Humming Bird Nightclub's Marvel Williams told THE STAR that in his more than 30 years being in entertainment, he has never felt this left out.

"Maybe it's the stigma associated with nightclubs. People look at it as a negative business, but we are just as important as any other sector. At the end of the day, our businesses cause nuff people fi nuh give in to dem problems. Dem look to us for relief. We are essential," he said. "My club has lost approximately $6 million and we still have the bills on us just the same even though the club is not running. We had 32 ladies, and four deejays employed to our club and all of them are either out of a job, or they have had to look elsewhere for employment. We understand why the big events can't keep, but clubs like ours are easy to manage, and we deserve at least a try."

McDermott agreed, adding that club operators have been making all the necessary arrangements to follow the protocols if the Government allows them to re-open.

"We will run our temperature checks, we will have the place regularly sanitised. We have sanitisation stations ready to be set up, and we will be ready," he said.

US-based male exotic entertainer Omarley Francis told THE STAR that the adult entertainment scene has re-opened in the US and club owners have been following the various cities' health guidelines, including temperature checks, getting sanitised, and mask wearing.

"Jamaicans on a whole nuh love follow rules, and that's where the problem is. If we could follow the guidelines, I don't see why the Government wouldn't allow these clubs to open. This can only work if the people follow the guidelines. It's really up to the people," he said.