Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne

By Darren Rathwell

Plans for renos to property in the works

Local strip club owner says so-called ‘dirty business’ is closed for good

Feb 9, 2022 | 5:06 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – Redcliff is losing some of its nightlife, with the closure of BB’s Dollhouse.

After 16 years of operation, the strip club has closed for good upon the loss of its insurance coverage.

Owner Chris Czember, who’s also a town councillor, says BB’s Dollhouse closed last week.

He says the decision to shutter the club’s doors came after he was told by his insurance agent the industry is moving away from covering strip clubs, as they’re considered a so-called “dirty business.”

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He says the insurance quote he was given from another company was just too costly, and there’s too much uncertainty over future coverage to stay in business.

“If we were to continue operating I’d really love do a renovation (of the club). But how do I do a $100,000 renovation and not know if the insurance company that we went with is going to drop strips clubs next year as that seems to be the trend.,” Czember told CHAT News.

However, the Insurance Bureau of Canada says it’s not aware of any move by the industry to move away from insuring adult entertainment.

IBC said clubs and bars face challenges over liability involving liquor, such as outlets being responsible for drunk patrons, but they say insurance companies continue to cover adult businesses.

“There are over 100 insurance companies who do provide coverage throughout the country and it’s just making sure you’re reaching out to the right people and you shop around,” the Insurance Bureau’s Rob Dupuis said.

Czember says he and his co-owners may sell the property, but if not, they plan to renovate the building to put in more apartments. Renovations could begin in March.