A simple, elegant lap dance is a great way for many men and women to relax after a hard day of work, and the dancers who work these jobs can earn an excellent living. Unfortunately, more and more strip clubs are being subjected to heavy handed local regulations designed to force them out of business. They are also victimized by police vice squad units that seek to entrap dancers and owners by using undercover officers posing as customers.

Questions and Answers

What is a strip club?

A strip club is a place of business where dancers perform on stage either topless or nude. Private dances in the form of lap, couch, or table dances are also offered in many strip clubs. Hostess clubs are similar to strip clubs, except that clients dance one on one with fully clothed dancers.

What laws do strip clubs have to obey?

Strip clubs in most American cities must obtain special permits and follow very detailed rules designed to limit sexual activity. Perhaps the most intrusive of these regulations is the so called 6-foot rule, which states that a dancer may not come within 6 feet of a client when performing a dance. Many cities also prohibit nude strip clubs from serving alcohol in an attempt to deprive of them of revenue.

You can't catch any diseases at a strip club, right?

Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be contracted at a strip club because, generally speaking, there is no direct genital contact. Any sexual stimulation is typically done through clothing, which prevents STD's. In cases where direct genital contact does occur, though, the rules of prostitution and sensual massage come into play.

Do people "get off" (reach orgasm) from lap dances?

It happens, but it is more the exception than the rule. In some cases, the clubs themselves set rules to limit contact between dancers and customers. In other cases, local ordinances limit the amount of contact that is allowed.

Why do cities and towns regulate strip clubs so heavily?

As with other laws pertaining to sexual businesses, the purpose of these regulations is to enforce outdated notions of morality.