Manchester casino deny Playboy night is permanent rebranding amid feminist backlash

By Emma Davies

Organisers of a Playboy revival night at a Manchester casino are denying the event is a permanent rebranding amid feminist outrage.

Speculation of the Manchester 235 casino being rebranded into a playboy theme had alerted feminists to make a stand, with plans to picket outside on the night named ‘The Bunnies are Back’.

The event will take place on 1 October to celebrate the successful launch of the Playboy Club in London.

For two hours, playboy bunny-tailed dealers and waitresses from the London casino who all have full croupier training will be working on the black jack, poker and roulette tables.

However Lucy Sharp, 235’s National Public Relations Manager, said: “We are simply holding a one off Playboy event. Any assumptions as to a whole re-brand are premature and untrue at this moment in time.”

When asked about loyal members’ opinions Ms Sharp explained: “The response has been exceptionally positive from male and female members alike and we are confident we will have an equal balance of men and women attending the event.”

However Yvonne Edge, manager of the Pankhurst Centre, said: “I’m really shocked by this.

“Women like the Suffragettes fought and some died for the vote – and now we’re being treated like objects.

“What is particularly worrying is that women who do not have a job in these difficult economic times will think it is acceptable to sell their bodies.”

For information on the event go to http://www.manchester235.com/whats-on/special-events/the-bunnies-are-back/