Fredericton residents react to city's bar lease buyout

The City of Fredericton's decision to pay $150,000 tobuy out the lease tothe city's only bar left with anexotic dancing licence is being met by criticism from many residents.

Kathleen Pye, a feminist activist and Fredericton resident, is among theresidents who spoke out against the decision on Wednesday.

"Going out of our way to restrict clubs like this doesn't mean that they're going to go away, it means they're going to go underground and that could be potentially dangerous for women," Pye said.

The lease expires in five monthsand so does the dancing licence. Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside saidthe decision will prevent any unwanted crime in the city's downtown.

"We do not want to fall into a criminal element," Woodside said.

Nicole Gereau-Wilson, who lives in Fredericton,said shethinksthe money could have been better spent elsewhere.

Gereau-Wilson said the city should ask residents what they think of the idea of using tax dollars to buy out a bar lease.

"Put it to a public vote," she said.

"That would probably be a more democratic way to see if the city was OKwith that type of service. I think adults should be able to choose where they spend their money."

"It is critical to take this action to protect against the negative impacts and behaviours that are associated with the establishment that offer exotic dancing entertainment."

Pye says that at the end of the day, the decision is based on morals.

"They're making their decision from a very privileged place," she said.

"They are not thinking about the rest of us who don't worry about property value when we are worrying about finding jobs and feeding our families. That's a really big concern that's a social concern in itself."