strip club decline -- causes?

[+ newatthis]

In another thread in this forum,

Yeah the internet is doing to clubs what Amazon is doing to retail...For us customers, clubs will always be better than going online, but for the guys working, seems the cream of the crop use technology, leaving the B-team forced to work the clubs...

 

Sounds like the internet has been the cause of a downturn in all of the scenes... Fort Lauderdale, Montreal... I still have loads of fun in Montreal, but that might be because it's a once a year thing....

It would be interesting to delve into this more deeply. My experiences -- by now, pretty extensive -- have been in Montreal and Fort Lauderdale, and I certainly agree that there has been a downturn in both since I started visiting 15 years ago. But it's hard for me to disentangle the many potential factors in that downturn. For example: novelty wears off. I was like a kid in a candy store at the beginning; that can't last. For me, high tide in Montreal was approximately 2003-2007. Is 2007 when grindr et. al. began being a big factor in hook-up culture? Don't know.

 

There are also differences between those two cities (and, who knows, between their internet cultures). Fort Lauderdale always had more volatility for me -- rarely had 2 consecutive terrific days (nights? ) there, even at its best. Like Jake, I still have a great time in Montreal -- but the range of choices is smaller than it used to be.

 

Comments?

Edited February 5, 2018 by newatthis

[LaffingBear]

I'd agree that the internet is having an effect on strip clubs. For some patrons, preferable to sit home in private, searching through a menu of guys. And, considering the "work for tips-only" policy of many strip clubs, why wouldnt a performer prefer a safer, less invasive setup where he can get $3 to $5 a minute or more.... and just sit there, not bumping & grinding, until someone's paying?

 

Tech also adds the options of Grindr and similar apps.... less dependence on thrill of a dancer, or the video arcades, etc.

 

Add in that, while theres still progress to be made, being gay is less taboo. That is having an effect on gay strip clubs, gay bars, all-gay cruises, the need for gloryholes, etc.

[twinkboylover28]

For me, high tide in Montreal was approximately 2003-2007.

 

2005 was the last "high tide" year for me in Montreal. That was 13 years ago!!

 

I used to go to Montreal several times a year. Now, if I'm lucky I go once or twice a year to Montreal. I live in Detroit area.

 

Full disclosure: I 'm only into skinny , barely-legal, smooth, white teenage-looking masculine twink boys like Devin Lewis and Gabe Isaac on 8teenboy.

 

I've recently had better luck flirting with skinny twinks at local retail stores where they work. I don't know of any websites that have replaced strip clubs? Then again, I've never been on Grindr or Hornet, as I'm still one of the few who holds on to his flip phone.

[+ blondeq]

I am sure the internet has played a role in the demise of strip clubs, but I think the other two variables are probably just as important. 1) Politics. State and local governments have drifted toward more conservative policies over the last 10-15 years which creates unique challenges in zoning and liquor licenses. 2) Real Estate. 10 years ago, the cost of commercial real estate was a third (or less) of today’s rate. This has to be the largest cost that a strip club owner manages unless they own the dirt which I’m sure few do.

[ServeUncutUncle]

To Many Tattoos..Too Many Beards..All Strippers are starting to look the same. Individuality and Clean Cut Boy Next Door Look has Gone...Same as my Hiring thats also Gone.

[twinkboylover28]

To Many Tattoos..Too Many Beards..All Strippers are starting to look the same. Individuality and Clean Cut Boy Next Door Look has Gone...Same as my Hiring thats also Gone.

 

This.

[Derrick Rigg]

Young gays aren't going to the bars as much - probably down 45 percent. So, they meet on dating apps or something like it.

 

Being on the frontline in bars as a stripper, the amount of people (all) has declined in going to clubs and bars. That has resulted in a less playful and fun environment where all kinds of people meet and get together for a good time.

[Kr8zy]

There was a time when gay bars and strip clubs flew under the radar. Today they are more high profile, and I think suffer a bit from unwanted attention. And like blopndeq states,it is becoming more and more costly to operate these establishments. I don't think they ever really made a killing. Well,actually that may be part of it, too. I think a number of the older establishments were perhaps too involved with other crime activities. As those get cleaned up, they disappear.

 

But mostly I think culture has moved on. Straight strip clubs are also on the decline, and i think that is because on one hand people are more open with their sexuality and thus don't need to sneak into these types of establishments,but also today's generation I think is less into the whole sex thing in the first place.Yes there are still some, and there are still some clubs. But more people are looking for things beyond sex and beyond finding their "own kind".

[fedssocr1]

I think all of the above are correct. Gay bars in general are disappearing in many places.

 

But the internet and the availability of nude performers on sites like Chaturbate where you can see tons of guys performing for free is probably the biggest reason. You can interact with them in some ways, but obviously not a tactile way. However many people in strip bars don't get to touch anyway.

[Kenny]

Strip clubs are declining because Bozo has disappeared.

[Walker1]

Just me, since I am still private with kids and all, I am a little nervous of cell phones. people just take videos and post like it is nothing and unfortunately privacy is a mirage.

[twinkboylover28]

Strict smoking laws don't help the clubs at all, and a lack of hunky looking guys isn't beneficial either.

 

Strict smoking laws help a lot. The lack of cute skinny twinks isn't beneficial.

 

Perhaps Florida will wise up one day and adopt such laws so we may enjoy the Ft. Lauderdale establishments that are currently smoke-filled cesspools.

[+ SundayZip]

My trips to strip clubs in Ft Lauderdale and Miami have been too infrequent and sporadic to make a fair assessment. Regarding Montreal, I've never been into twinks so I wouldn't know about Taboo and the bar previously known as Adonis (can't remember its current name). But I can't say that I've seen a decline in the Montreal clubs that interest me, Campus and Stock Bar. I'm often disappointed when a favorite dancer is no longer at a club when I make a return trip, but there's always someone new and Crush Worthy.

[samhexum]

Dear Abby: My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year and a half. We are planning on moving to California together in a few months.

 

I flew to Monterey to job hunt, and he is supposed to be flying in soon. However, last night I found out he and his buddy went to a strip club. My boyfriend knows I’m uncomfortable with him going to strip clubs, and he assured me that they would not be going when we spoke on the phone earlier in the evening.

 

He says I’m controlling and childish for being angry at him. I told him it’s either me or the strip clubs — mostly just to see how he would react. His response was that freedom of choice is very important to him. I even went as far as to say if he feels the need to go to strip clubs, then I would start stripping on the side to spite him.

 

 

I’m tempted to cancel his ticket to California. I don’t want him flying here if we are just going to fight. Is this situation worth the cost of a relationship? How do I deal with someone so stubborn to the point he can’t see when he’s in the wrong? Abby, he is in the wrong, isn’t he? — Choice Is Clear

 

Dear Choice: A wise woman chooses her battles carefully. If your boyfriend spent more than an occasional evening hanging out in strip clubs, I can see why it would be a deal breaker. But unless you left something important out of your letter — like the fact that he did more than look — it doesn’t appear that he does.

 

You escalated the situation and you shouldn’t have. However, if you feel so strongly about strip clubs, perhaps you should consider finding another man to spend your life with because it really isn’t possible to control the actions of another adult.

[InterestingGuy]

Local governments and strict laws do not help.

[Zapped]

I live near Indy. In its heyday, the Unicorn Club was amazing. Really fun while it lasted. Attendance fell off, it got seedier and the dancers less muscular. I’m sure all the factors contributed: in smoking, fewer closeted guys, more free and hiring opportunities online. Sure was a wonderful playground as I was accepting myself.

 

One thing I liked was there was much more affectionate, and immediate, body contact than I usually experienced at the baths.

[Jake]

Terrible and much too loud music selection, less tolerance of annoying DJs, hiring those that can breathe rather than those who are talented or even relatively attractive, restricted hours of operation. These are my guesses. It used to be a close toss-up as to which guy is the hottest, and now on a weekend you may be lucky to even find one dancer who back in the day would be lucky to make the grade.

 

The DJs aren't as annoying to me as the drag queens are. The most irritating thing is when they think their mundane "private" conversation with someone is worthy of them using the mic thinking we all are hanging on every word. LeBoy is the biggest offender on this one.

 

As for music, I've often wondered why they don't realize the music should appeal to the customer not the dancers. The 70 somethings in the crowd probably aren't the biggest Nikki Minaj fans. The guy at Johnsons in Fort Lauderdale seems to get that at least a little. He varies it up.

[BluDay]

Swinging Richards (Atlanta) had a problem for a while of too many women and people just in for drinks. The too many woman too the straight dancers time, and often didn't tip as well. It had gone from the occasional bacholerette party to a lot of women. The people who just wanted to drink choked up the tables since the drinks were good. The weren't interested in the dancers, so the place was a bit harder for both dancers and gay clients.

 

Over the years, SR has made some bad decisions. Opening the Florida branch strained their experienced staff, including dancers (fewer good dancers in either place, fewer knowledgeable managers). They also fired a great DJ: he knew how to put together a range of types for the main stage, so you would get hunky, twinky, etc, basically something for everyone. The newer one(s) don't pay close attention to that detail so there are times when no one on the stage is very interesting to me. If there are 4 or 5 guys dancing, one should be.

 

They also fired the guy who gatekept the VIP lounge. The new one wasn't as fast and didn't (still doesn't) really know how to do it, he's not able to handle the duties (taking money, watching the clock so he can signal the end of a session, and so on).

 

I've not been there since they introduced the idea you need to buy "Dick Dollars" for lapdances, but charging $25 for $20 gives the impression of a rip-off. I know it's an attempt to keep the money recorded, but it's much easier to just pull a 20 out of my pocket than to got to someone to switch. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'm at a strip club, not DisneyWorld needing to get an E ticket.

 

I think a lot of clubs are missing that they are there for gay men to enjoy themselves. If they kept in mind how a gay man would want to go in and handle themselves, they would do better. Forgetting your audience is a bad sign for any entertainment venue, you need boots in the door before you can do anything else. Make it a hassle to get there or get a simple lap dance, and I have Pornhub (or men.com, or seancody, or whatever).

 

The more open society is a factor as well. Even if some of that is rolling back, there are more places you can go (physically) to see a guy or meet someone. So a strip club has less pull.

[Jake]

Some good points BluDay. Customer service is lost on many of these clubs. They're like the airlines - just trying to find something they can charge more for next. Best example? LeBoy ATM charging a fee of something like $10 or $15.

[BluDay]

I've been thinking about the logistics a bit. I've still not been back to SR since they implemented "Dick Dollars" for lap dances, but it has to be a pain. Do you get to turn them back in for the full about you gave? Or do you just get the face back? I try to be generous with my dancers, but I won't load up just to lose money to the bar. So a guy approaches me for a lapdance. I'm game so I then go to exchange, than get it? Awkward.

 

I can see their rationale for doing it, but it's a decision driven by something other than getting money to the dancers - which is want ultimately keeps them in business. I've only ever been to 2 straight strip bars*, but they manage it somehow, so SR should be able to as well.

 

*One with with my favorite SR dancer, I met him for dinner before and that's where he wanted to eat. And see women. He's bi/mostly straight.