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Environment & Counseling

Cabaret

Swiss term for a strip club — historically closely associated with sex work.

In Swiss parlance, “cabaret” refers to a strip club where (mostly female) dancers perform for guests and work as entertainers or conversation partners after the show. The line between this and sex work is blurred, but legally distinct: cabaret work as such is not considered sex work.

Until 2016, Switzerland had a “cabaret dancer” status (an L permit specifically for foreign female dancers). This was abolished because it was shown to lead to the exploitation of women from third countries (particularly Eastern Europe and Latin America). Today, cabaret venues are staffed almost exclusively by individuals holding AFMP permits.

See also

  • Etablissement — A general term for salons, brothels, and massage parlors that offer sexual services.
  • Personenfreizügigkeit (FZA) — Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreement: EU/EFTA citizens may work in Switzerland with a permit.

These definitions are intended to provide general guidance within the Swiss adult entertainment industry. For legal or medical questions, please contact a specialized agency (see Resources) or a specialist.

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