Lebanon shuts down Beirut nightclub over 'pornographic' dance performance

Lebanese authorities have shut down a Beirut nightclub after footage emerged of an erotic performance by half-naked dancers, local newspaper The Daily Star  reported.

Lebanon's interior minister on Tuesday ordered the Discotek nightclub in Beirut's Karantina district to be closed over the racy show, featuring two women dancers.

"The videos posted on social media outlets show direct pornographic dancing," Nouhad Machnouk said in response to footage of the performance on Friday evening.

"Close the club, and those responsible should be sent to the competent judicial authorities," Machnouk added.

A video of the g-string wearing dancers pouring hot wax on each other and exposing their breasts has been widely shared on social media.

A statement from the municipality said the club was sealed over its lack of a license and hosting performances that violated "decency and public morals."

Ziad Chebib, the head of the municipality, said that despite its openness, Lebanon "remains a conservative society", while police said they questioned the owner of the nightclub.

Beirut boasts a thriving nightlife, with a bar and club scene that sets it apart from most Arab cities, which tend to be much more conservative.

The nightclub apologised on its Facebook page and blamed the dance on the performers, who are employed by a circus-themed nightclub in London.

"We'd like to apologise to those who attended the Cirque Le Soir event. Neither Discotek management nor the Cirque Le Soir management was aware of the individual actions of the performers," Discotek management said.

With agencies