Despite having failed in the past, County officials are considering legislation aimed at regulating strip clubs.
The bill was introduced last week to the County Council, calling for so-called “adult entertainment establishments” to be licensed along with setting regulations for business hours, age limits and rules for conduct, the Baltimore Examiner reported last week.
Under the measure, anyone entering a club must be at least 18 years old and have a valid identification. Dancers would also be required to stay at least 6 feet away from patrons and no touching would be allowed. Clubs would also require clubs to be closed between 1 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Councilman Thomas Hendershot of New Carrolton, said the council is concerned about the possible spread of AIDS and the possibility clubs may promote prostitution and drug use.
But its unclear whether the proposal would pass muster in court after similar legislation was shot down by the courts several years ago when club owners argued that the law infringes on the dancers’ First Amendment rights.
But Hendershot said he often hears from constituents who complain about the clubs’ negative impacts on their neighborhoods and on their property values.
