READERS have been sharing their views after a 'topless' event was held at a pub in Dorchester - with another scheduled for tonight.

As reported, on Saturday, February 26, Hardy's in Trinity Street held a night featuring a topless entertainer. The venue has shared plans for an event featuring topless bar staff tonight.

We've been running a reader poll - and although there are strong views on either side of the debate, the end result saw a clear majority.

Hardy's landlord Glenn Chadwick said the event was 'no different from hosting a stag do', while a second event involving two women wearing 'sexy outfits' was held a week later on Saturday, March 5

During the second event two women who worked behind the bar were supposed to be topless, but instead just wore sexy outfits, Mr Chadwick said. He added that he had spoken to Dorset Council Licensing and was told he is not breaking any rules.

It prompted a flurry of debate in our comments section so we opened up a reader poll where people were simply asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on whether they think such events should be held.

And there was a clear outcome - with the results split 60% to 40%.

The results show the majority of readers who took part in the poll- as 60% - said YES to topless entertainment in pubs.

The events are NOT for men only, Mr Chadwick said, adding that some women in attendance "were wearing less than the barmaids."

"It's no different to having a stripper come in for a stag do," he said.

An anonymous source had claimed the events were for men only and said the topless nights were out of touch with today's society and were degrading to women.

In response, Mr Chadwick said: "I would tell people who have a problem to not come to these nights out. No one is forcing them to.

"The events were held between 10pm and midnight, and they were not for men only.

"Women were also in attendance, some of whom were wearing less than the barmaids."

Currently, Mr Chadwick said he can only hold a topless night once every 28 days due to licensing restrictions. Additionally, he said can only hold 11 such events a year.

"I'm not breaking any law as long as I abide by the current restrictions, which I am doing," said Mr Chadwick.

"Unfortunately, after the abuse, I've got from some people about the topless night, I've been put off from holding any more similar events in the future."

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "We have had a meeting with the area manager and we understand that the matter has now been resolved."