Toronto strip clubs see TIFF revenue increase as stars unwind with lap dances
Fortunately for Toronto’s classy (or conservative) reputation, Yorkville and King West bars and clubs see most of the late-night dollars at TIFF. But make no mistake, Hogtown’s more licentious hangouts see plenty of, er, action throughout the fest. According to Tim Lambrinos of the Adult Entertainment Association of Canada, strip clubs in the city enjoy a 20 per cent increase in sales (mostly in American cash) as stars indulge in a lap dance or two when they’re in town. “A lot of people come out after hours and they want to socialize,” he told the Toronto Sun. Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Mickey Rourke and Queen Latifa have been spotted at Four Your Eyes Only on King.
Dave Auger, general manager of Remington’s, says the Yonge Street Chippendale staple is making a “special cocktail” and bringing in a show from Montreal that “will go over well at TIFF.” Auger estimates the bar gets a 25 per cent bump in revenue during the festival. House of Lancaster on Bloor Street West is also adding more girls and a special menu to celebrate. “Some celebrities drop by but we don’t drop names,” said the bar’s Craig Neten. That might almost be enough to get us to visit House of Lancaster, but not quite.
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