The assistant chief executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, Paula Murray, said:
The council is very supportive of sport and fitness pursuits and we recognise that pole fitness is a popular and growing gymnastic sport. We are reviewing our position with a view to being more inclusive and encouraging of a discipline which requires great fitness, agility and endurance.
To this end Pole fitness taster sessions will be available during the Take Part festival.
However the council does not support the pole dancing movement associated with the sex industry.
We believe this clarifies our position as an organisation that is responsible for the wellbeing of young people and developing coordinated strategies for the prevention of violence towards women and girls.