The Brass Rail is a strip club in Toronto, Canada. It is located on Yonge Street just south of Bloor. It is well known as a popular venue for celebrities, especially during the Toronto International Film Festival, which is based at the nearby luxury hotels of Yorkville.MacInnis, Craig. "A poseur's guide to the Toronto Film Fest." The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Aug 26, 2000. pg. E.13
History The Brass Rail occupies part of a three-storey commercial row on the east side of Yonge Street, south of Bloor Street. The building was constructed in 1887, replacing an earlier one-storey structure on the site. It was originally divided into four commercial units that housed a succession of businesses during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 1948, the commercial units at 699 and 701 Yonge Street were combined and converted into the Brass Rail Tavern. The establishment initially operated as a restaurant and tavern that presented live performances by local and touring musicians. The City of Toronto's heritage research identifies 1948 as the beginning of the Brass Rail at the site, although the club has subsequently promoted 1958 as its founding date.
The premises underwent several exterior alterations over the following decades. A new facade was installed at 699–701 Yonge Street in 1962, and the frontage was reclad with wood siding in the early 1970s. Large illuminated signs that later became a prominent feature of the club's appearance were added during the 1990s and 2000s.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Brass Rail formed part of Yonge Street's expanding live-entertainment district. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, it increasingly incorporated adult entertainment as the character of the surrounding Yonge Street strip shifted from live music toward bars, strip clubs and other adult-oriented businesses. A 1970 photograph reproduced in the City of Toronto's heritage study shows the Brass Rail Tavern advertising "Topless Girls" on its marquee.
During the 1970s, the establishment operated under the name Yonge Station while continuing to feature live music. Musician Paul Shaffer, who had moved to Toronto from Thunder Bay, worked at the venue early in his career as a musician and master of ceremonies.English, Kathy. "Letterman's sidekick is still a Thunder Bay boy." Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Jul 21, 1985. pg. D.01
In the 1980s, the establishment returned to the Brass Rail name and completed its transition into a full-time strip club. It subsequently became one of the best-known surviving adult-entertainment establishments on Yonge Street.
The club became particularly associated with visiting celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival, whose events and luxury hotels are concentrated in nearby Yorkville.MacInnis, Craig. "A poseur's guide to the Toronto Film Fest." The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Aug 26, 2000. pg. E.13 Celebrities reported at the Brass Rail have included Samuel L. Jackson,Benaroia, Iris. "Rail Tale; Waitressing at the notorious strip club is an education in crass costumes and celebrity carousing." National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: Feb 9, 2008. pg. TO.14 Colin Farrell,Zekas, Rita. "The latest edition of The Stripping News." Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Sep 10, 2002. pg. D.03 Charlize TheronZekas, Rita. "Distant stars." Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Sep 7, 2005. pg. E.01 and Alex Rodriguez.Govani, Shinan. "From Death Star to a love nest." National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: May 31, 2007. pg. AL.3
Lap-dancing litigation During the 1990s and early 2000s, the Brass Rail became involved in litigation over the legality of lap dancing. The club deliberately defied a Toronto bylaw restricting lap dancing and was among adult-entertainment establishments involved in court proceedings concerning whether physical contact between dancers and patrons constituted indecent acts under the Criminal Code.Tyler, Tracey. "Lap-dancing law given new life in court; Judges overturn rulings favouring GTA strip clubs." Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Jan 18, 2002. pg. B.05
The litigation occurred against the background of several Supreme Court of Canada decisions concerning indecency in adult-entertainment establishments, including R v Mara in 1997 and R. v. Pelletier in 1999.
See also List of strip clubs
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