triptease is an art and should be exempt from value-added tax (VAT), a Norwegian court has ruled. The Diamond Go Go Bar in Oslo took the State to court after it tried to impose VAT on its entry fee. But in the court�s verdict, the judge ruled that striptease performances should benefit from the VAT exemption granted to opera, ballet and theatre performances among others.

The club�s lawyer had argued that other shows, such as comedians telling dirty jokes, were not subject to VAT on ticket prices. Since the club prohibits dancers from having any contact with clients, it can be considered a stage show, the judge said. The club�s owner did, however, agree to pay VAT on the cloakroom�s revenues.... more