Goa legislator threatens hunger strike over proposed Playboy club

A Bharatiya Janata Party legislator from Goa has threatened to go on a hunger strike if a Playboy nightclub is allowed to open in his state, claiming that it would promote prostitution in the tourist hub.

Michael Lobo is opposing a nightclub proposed on Candolim beach -- the first of dozens of Playboy outlets that are being planned across the country, the New York Daily News reported.

Despite assurances from the club that there will be no nudity, Lobo said that it was obvious that nobody will pay for membership “just to sit and eat groundnuts” and people will try to get value for their money.

He said that government will not be able to control the happenings inside the club once it is granted permission to operate.

PB Lifestyle, the Indian franchisee of the Playboy brand, had announced its plans in November to open 120 clubs, hotels, fashion cafes and shops in India over the next 10 years.

Goa’s Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said that the application for the club is under consideration, saying that they will never allow vulgarity.

In a bid to appease India’s conservative values, the brand has unveiled a new-look costume for the “bunny girl” waitresses, where the traditional skimpy corset has been replaced with a sari-inspired two-piece costume, which comprises a one-shoulder top, a bare midriff and a sheer, full-length skirt with a split.

But the ears, bow-ties and fluffy tails remain.

Parulkar said that if the waitresses wear a transparent sari then they won’t allow it and if the fears raised by Lobo are true, the club will not be allowed.