Considered an art, striptease is exempt from VAT in Norway

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2005

OSLO (AFP) — Striptease is an art and should therefore be exempt from value-added tax (VAT), a Norwegian court has ruled.

The Diamond Go Go Bar in Oslo took the Norwegian state to court after it tried to impose VAT on entry fees to the club.

But in the Oslo district court's verdict, a copy of which was obtained by AFP on Wednesday, 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 in court that other shows, such as comedians telling dirty jokes or sword-swallowers, were not subject to VAT on ticket prices.

"To the court's knowledge ... in certain places, especially abroad, one can see incredibly beautiful artists move...