Mayor not happy as topless bar opens in Byron Bay

The Byron Shire Mayor says he fears a new topless bar in Byron Bay could lead to an increase in violence towards women.

Simon Richardson says the council was not in favour of the operation, but could do nothing to stop it.

He says the bar opened on Friday night in a venue with an existing liquor and restaurant licence.

Cr Richardson says he has raised his concerns with the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing and will also speak to local police.

"The worry is you might get a lot of young blokes, particularly some of those who have already got a disrespect for the town and some of the people in the streets, walking out of that venue more drunk than they walked in and more sexually frustrated than when they walked in," he said.

"Which of course could then endanger women who are just going about their business."

Cr Richardson says he hopes there is no local support for the business.

He says it goes against attempts to restore the town's reputation in the wake of damaging reports about alcohol-fuelled violence.

"Establishments like this simply undermine that," Cr Richardson said.

"It's sort of a sexualisation, it's alcohol based.

"I dare say it's relying on perhaps our southern Queensland male visitors for its clientele.

"These are the sorts of aspects of our night life which we're trying to go away (from) and we're rejecting.

"So it's disappointing, but we've just got to perhaps hope financially or commercially that it isn't overly successful.

"Unfortunately, as far as its zoning, it's basically as a liquor licence.

"The other features of the establishment are just considered entertainment.

"Our hands were certainly tied, but I do hope that whether it be the Office of Liquor, Gaming, and Racing or our compliance people are vigilant to make sure that the female workers aren't exploited with their employment conditions.

"We want to make sure that everything is as above board and (as) appropriate as possible."

Source: ABC News, 30 September 2013