A Maltese strip club owner has sought to dismiss suggestions that his establishments are used for prostitution.

Ronnie Axisa, who owns two strip clubs in Paceville, said his dancers are bound by a contract signed between himself and their agencies, which expressly forbids prostitution.

“As soon as they are caught involved with prostitution or drugs, they are immediately kicked out,” Axisa said when interviewed on ONE TV’s new show Stat ta’ Fatt.

“This ugly shadow on gentlemen’s clubs is negative and doesn’t make sense. A gentleman’s club is a place where people go for a drink. If you want to drink by yourself at the bar, then no one will bother you, but if you want the company of one of the girls, you can invite her to take a drink with you and, if you want, invite her for a private lap dance afterwards.”

“You shouldn’t come to a gentleman’s club if you want to have sex. Many clients do request sex, especially foreigners seeing as gentleman’s clubs overseas allow sex, but unfortunately I don’t allow it.”

Axisa also dismissed concerns that his dancers are victims of human trafficking, insisting the girls all work for him voluntarily.

“They apply with an agency, the agency sends me their profiles on my phone and [the dancers] come over when I accept them. Some leave after one night without even informing their manager.”

What do you make of these statements?

WATCH NEXT: Former Maltese Prostitute Opens Up: ‘Even Magistrates Had Used Me, Sex Sells’