We all know the sex doll industry is becoming more prevalent. Today they look more lifelike, whilst once they were mocked mercilessly in that classic Only \u2018Fools and Horses\u2019 episode. However, for those of us who have never used one, one question remains. How good and lifelike do they actually feel? Well a sex doll shop which allowed customers to \u2018try before you buy\u2019 are now facing a whopping fine.<\/p>\n
Love Doll UK, based in Gateshead, offered clients the opportunity to pay \u00a3100 to \u2018spend time\u2019 with the product before deciding whether or not to spend \u00a32,000 on it.<\/p>\n
It seems an intelligent business model. However it probably isn\u2019t surprising that the council have eventually turned up, and are less than impressed.<\/p>\n
Consequently, at Gateshead Magistrates\u2019 Court, the company was recently convicted of \u2018knowingly using their premises as a sex establishment without obtaining a licence\u2019 and fined \u00a310,000 with \u00a3600 costs.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Gateshead Council said: \u201cWe received a complaint that LD Europe Limited of Felling, Gateshead was operating a \u201ctry before you buy\u201d service for its range of sex dolls, later referred to in the media as a \u201csex doll brothel\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil officers investigated the allegations and visited the premises in January this year. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey were shown around by the owner Graeme Tulip who had already been extensively interviewed in the media during which he had confirmed he was selling \u201csex articles\u201d and offering them for loan.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs well as viewing a workshop and packaging area, Mr Tulip showed officers a showroom and a \u201ctry before you buy\u201d bedroom. He was informed that such a use would require a Sex Establishment Licence and that no such licence had been sought or granted for the premises.\u201d<\/p>\n
Owner Graeme Tulip, 40, has spoken about how local escorts are worried that his \u2018sex doll brothel\u2019 will take business away from them.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI have spoken to escort services before about bringing sex dolls into brothels \u2013 but they are scared.<\/p>\n
“Idon\u2019t know why they are, it may just require more of a vision than they have. It is more efficient \u2013 the sex dolls can pretty much run themselves. <\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe they just don\u2019t think that it\u2019s viable, that it would put real life escorts out of business.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I found somewhere that was open enough to consider it then I would think about selling them a couple of my dolls.<\/p>\n
\u201c70% of guys aren\u2019t bothered that the dolls have been used before. The other 30%\u00a0would never touch a used doll.\u201d<\/p>\n
It does seem, that upon reflection, this may be less \u2018try as you buy\u2019, and more of a sex doll brothel trying to con the system. Still, whatever the business model, it does go to show the growing popularity of sex dolls. A few years ago a place like this would have been quickly laughed at, and pretty soon after closed as no-one would use it. Today it is on the radar enough for escorts to get seemingly get stressed and the council to get involved. That really does say something.<\/p>\n
I have to say, I would love to use a top quality sex doll, but like many I refuse to spend two grand on the privilege. However, a sex doll brothel which lets me try it for far less seems a pretty good idea to me.<\/p>\n
I thoroughly expect to see more of these popping up in the future. Still, would you visit one? Or does it sound too weird? Let us know in the poll below.<\/p>\n