Sir.-I write regarding Drake's bar.

I have first-hand knowledge of the venue and type of entertainment both here and in other venues, having worked as part of a private security team. My observations are based on actual experience of the venue.

How can anyone objectively criticise an event without having first-hand knowledge of it?

I totally understand that one can have a moral objection to an activity and therefore not wish to take part in it, and as those people would rightly argue, we are all entitled to our own opinions and should not be made to kowtow to those of others. Yet it seems that is exactly what these protesters would like to happen.

They are seeking to stop an activity that is properly controlled, just because they object to it on moral grounds and do not care about the fact that it is legally taking place.

As the newspaper's report clearly stated, the activity has been taking place since February this year. The management of Drake's, the local authority and the police will all say that at no time in this period has there been any trouble.

This type of night attracts a different clientele. The age of those frequenting the venue on these nights is, on the whole, much older than any other night. These people are there to enjoy themselves, not to cause trouble.

Also, the security of the venue was upgraded and has some of the top venue personnel of this area, plus others from London.

There are strict rules and regulations governing these types of events. These are adhered to and have been checked by the authorities.

Those who opposed this event early on said it would attract trouble, which has not happened. They have now started to say it will cause distress or distraction to passers-by or students from QMC and BCOT. Apart from the geographical fact that BCOT is at the opposite end of the town, these events happen late at night.

If the protesters looked at the exterior, they would notice you cannot see what is going on inside as regulations state that all windows must be covered.

They said that a lot of people are unhappy with the event taking place and have signed a petition. No one is forcing these people to go to this event so the answer is simple - if you don't like it, don't go.

MP Andrew Hunter was quoted as saying these events could encourage prostitution. To draw that kind of conclusion is, I believe, wholly irresponsible and supposition based on no fact. This has never happened and is not likely to happen, as it would be flouting ordinary licensing law issues, let alone endangering the dancing licence.

This is almost suggesting the dancers are no better than prostitutes, which could not be further than the truth. Some are academically highly-qualified.

All licensed premises have the potential to attract prostitutes if they are not controlled properly. Anyone who has trained as a licensee or door supervisor knows this, as do the police and the local authority.

Overall, the topless dancing events have been run professionally and have followed all the regulations set by the authorities with no complaints.

I wonder if those people who are opposed to the showing of the female form will take their petitions to places such as Contessa, Debenhams, BHS and Allders, among others, where you can see scantily-clad women in the front windows, in full view of children and students of QMC and BCOT alike!

-Name and address withheld.