Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski spearheaded the efforts which are designed to eliminate some of the most overt expressions of sexuality, such as so called lap dances, at these "Gentleman's Clubs," as well as to guard against criminal activities such as prostitution and drug sales. In addition community members from a number of neighborhoods see these businesses as detrimental to the quality of life, and have approached the problem from a variety of angles including zoning and land use restrictions.
Among the new regulations are rules that tighten up the requirements for getting and maintaining a permit for such establishments. Others changes restrict the proximity of a dancer to a patron and still others require interior and exterior building codes.
Some highlights include: A section of the new ordinance provides penalties for intentional physical contact between an entertainer and patron, sexual physical contact between employees and patrons, the sale or distribution of sexually oriented merchandise and the direct payment of tips to entertainers. Live entertainment must occur on a stage at least 18 inches in height and separated at least six feet from patrons with fixed rails at least 30 inches high.
Entertainers and patrons may not come within six feet of each other. Partitions of any kind are prohibited in areas where patrons have access, except in restrooms. They'll have to comply with strict signage, parking, design standards.
Employees will have to carry government issued identification and a manager will have to be on the premises. While the entire ordinance runs 30 pages long, too long for this article, the document below was presented on behalf of the City Attorney, Rocky Delgadillo, and represents a synopsis of the pertinent points and changes in the law.
