A U.S. District Court judge has refused to block the enforcement of new regulations impacting strip clubs and other adult businesses that, among other things bar lap dances and impose strict new fees on dancers.
Judge Deborah K. Chasanow ruled this week that the county is within its rights of imposing new regulations that prohibit dancers from mingling with patrons, bar clubs from operating after 1 a.m., that requires dancers be on stages that are at least 18 inches high and that they must perform at least six feet from customers, the Washington Times reported.
The new law also requires that dancers pay $200 a year for a license from the county and that they must post the licenses where they work.
The action is in response to a challenge to the law brought by three strip clubs, the Nico Banquet Hall, located in Camp Springs; Bazz and Crue in Forestville, and the Showcase Theater in Beltsville.
Luke Lirot, a lawyer representing the clubs, said the new law which also bars patrons from tipping the dancers will put many dancers and club employees out of work.
But Tonia Belton-Gofreed, a lawyer for the county, said the laws are not meant to be overly restrictive since the dancers can still get tips, though not directly, if they are clothed when they mingle with customers. The tips would be put in a tip jar.
