MUMBAI - plans India's first Playboy to open Club in Goa coastal States have taken, last year a bone of contention with local politicians of the idea of "Hare" on its pristine beaches amid increasing pressure for better treatment of women after a fatal gang rape.
India has strict censorship laws and there is no Indian version of Playboy Magazine, but the Playboy brand in India revealed the promoters last year to open clubs around the country plans, customized dress with Indian customs.
A lawmaker from the right-wing party of that rules that the State had threatened a hunger strike if the Government allowed that set Playboy shop in Goa, to say that it would tarnish the image of the State.
"If the Government had to grant a license Playboy, it amounts to giving a license for prostitution," Michael Lobo told Reuters, adding that Playboy promoted vulgarity.
"We respect our women," he said. "We don't want to promote Goa as a sex tourism destination like Thailand."
Tens of thousands of tourists visit Goa during the high season October to March, its golden beaches, to enjoy, which are known for long night parties.
Media reports suggest that many other politicians and women's groups of Humongous share concerns, but the Bharatiya Janata Party, that rules Goa has not officially made known his displeasure.
On Monday, Goa Chief but told Minister Manohar Parrikar of the State Assembly that Playboy license application had been refused for "technical reasons", citing rules allowing such licenses for individuals but not companies.
Playboy clubs are promoted with images of naked women part of the hedonistic lifestyle of octogenarian Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy Magazine. Playboy clubs around the world feature waitresses dressed in black satin bodice, bow tie, cuffs and bunny ears.
The clash underscores the growing pressure for a more restrictive climate in India after the brutal rape of a young woman in the capital New Delhi provoked widespread outrage over attitudes toward women in December.
Undaunted, the promoters of the brand Playboy in India - PB-lifestyle, has a license agreement with American Playboy Enterprises Inc - said she would try again.
"There are certain technical errors, we need to correct, and then we take it from there", said Sanjay Gupta, CEO of PB lifestyle. "I can not predict what will be the Government's decision."
Gupta, said that they have tried to make sure, the Playboy Club clothes offend not Indian sensitivities even weakening his characteristic Bunny costumes for local tastes – a first for Playboy clubs around the world.
He added that the Goa property was planned, not as a night club, but as a Beach Cafe, where women would be given special privileges. It was not specified, what were these privileges.
"The environment and atmosphere that we create women are friendly," said Gupta. "There is no male bastion, spouses are more than welcome."
The company still plans to open Playboy Clubs in other Indian cities.
Copyright 2013 Thomson Reuters.
