A LANDLORD has said he has been 'put off' from hosting any more topless nights at his pub.

On Saturday, February 26, Hardy's in Trinity Street, Dorchester held a topless night involving one of the venue's barmaids.

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.

Mr Chadwick said: "On February 26, we held an event where a single barmaid was topless.

"The following week, two women worked behind the bar were supposed to be topless, but instead just wore sexy outfits, but were not topless.

"I have spoken to licensing at Dorset Council and they have told me I'm legally allowed to do it.

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

"Licensing doesn't like it and would prefer I would not hold these events."

Reports of the topless nights come from a source that wanted to remain anonymous, who said the events were for men only.

The source 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."