View Full Version : Ohio Stripcubs Soon To Close?
laplover69
05-20-2007, 03:45 AM
I can see the headlines already "STATE OF OHIO NOW HIRING FOR LAPDANCE INSPECTORS" no experience needed, pay depends upon how many bribes you accept. LOL
Helle
05-20-2007, 11:42 AM
Sounds like a job for Greg Flaig and friends :roll:
laplover69
05-21-2007, 03:06 PM
Looks like the MPAA is getting involved with their opposition to this proposed law. Maybe the Democrat Governor will veto this garbage! http://www.ccv.org/downloads/pdf/mpaa_memo.pdf
liberator
05-21-2007, 05:41 PM
Amen to that. The CCV are dangerous to the cause of liberty. Ever notice how the Nanny State and Theocrats are afraid of independent,rational thought? www.aynrand.org (http://www.aynrand.org)
laplover69
05-22-2007, 05:59 PM
Well it sounds like the governor didn't sign this, but it still is going to become the law???
http://www.examiner.com/a-742491~Bill_regulating_strip_clubs_to_take_effect_ without_signature.html
Helle
05-22-2007, 07:45 PM
"I believe it's probably 80 percent of what we wanted," Burress said. "It's certainly going to do a lot to curb crime."
Fucking ridiculous. I was glad to see this article at least: "http://www.examiner.com/a-741787~Movie_association_opposed_to_Ohio_strip_clu b_bill.html"
I still have faith that Strickland will veto this out before August. If not, then I'm seriously regretting where my vote went.
laplover69
05-23-2007, 09:17 AM
How does touching a stripper correlate to increased crime or not touching correlate
to decreased crime? Just as this court has found.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/041307/prinnew170401_32339.shtml
laplover69
05-23-2007, 04:02 PM
"I believe it's probably 80 percent of what we wanted," Burress said. "It's certainly going to do a lot to curb crime."
Fucking ridiculous. I was glad to see this article at least: "http://www.examiner.com/a-741787~Movie_association_opposed_to_Ohio_strip_clu b_bill.html"
I still have faith that Strickland will veto this out before August. If not, then I'm seriously regretting where my vote went.
Well, we all know that groups like CCV use often bogus and outdated/irrelevant to the city/state in question negative "secondary effects" studies SOLELY to promote their unique ideas of what a Utopian society should be in THEIR Fascist Theocratic world. Unfortunately many Politicians either believe them or fear the CCV. Last I knew we still live in a free? and pluralistic society with many different moral and religious beliefs...? Sure sometimes strip clubs have higher incidents of crime than other types of establishments, but by and large there is far more police runs at your local 7-11 or liquor store than strip clubs. Do we ever here anyone suggest an ordinance to regulate these businesses?? Over regulation of strip clubs is JUST a MORAL argument by the religious fanatics the overwhelming majority of time, which should be somewhat muted by the Lawrence vs Texas decision IMHO. Any good attorneys like Luke Lirot, or Paul Cambria are not afraid to challenge the often bogus/irrelevant "negative secondary effects" studies that Scott Bergthold/CCV use simply as a guise to further promote their moral agenda; and many judges also rule in our favor when the facts are presented correctly.
laplover69
05-24-2007, 03:55 AM
What's scary is these Fascist-Theocrats now want to spread this Ohio Law all over the country... http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000004690.cfm
liberator
05-24-2007, 09:18 AM
We can't let that happen. We must organize at the grassroots level to stop the Theocrats.
laplover69
05-24-2007, 09:30 AM
We can't let that happen. We must organize at the grassroots level to stop the Theocrats.
I couldn't agree more. If I were a club owner in any of the neighboring states to Ohio, I would be getting organized NOW!!! When Fascist minded Theocrats smell blood they go for the kill wherever they can. Any guess as to what state this is attempted next?
laplover69
05-25-2007, 02:53 AM
I wonder who is funding the CCV? Alliance Defense Fund for one? It's scary that a Fascist Theocratic group yields this much political clout in America or is it now Amerika? Will be interesting to see if the law is enforced and if any dancer or patron gets cited, then perhaps the alleged violators could request a jury trial and be found not guilty. Even without a jury trial, I think a fair number of judges would find this law UNconstitutional.
PhillyDancer1982
05-25-2007, 06:36 AM
Well thanks to the fascist based theocracy group (Citizens For Community Values), you can now count Ohio as being the lamest state in the country for stripclubs. I am appaled that the clubs didn't lobby against this b.s., and am shocked that this passed.>:(
Wow the strict rules in Ohio strip clubs might explain why I've heard that there's barely any money there. One girl I used to work with told me that her friend was from Ohio, and would only make like $200 in an entire weekend at the clubs out there.
liberator
05-25-2007, 08:18 AM
I believe that attorney Scott Berghold is behind this Fascist Group. I believe he describes himself as a recovering porn addict. Problem is he now wants to use governmental force to restrict freedom of speech and expression. Scott has been in Georgia trying to get the Love Shack shut down in Johns Creek. So far the Love Shack remains open. www.cornettaenterprises.com
Helle
05-25-2007, 12:02 PM
Yeah. If any girl in Columbus tells you she averages 200+ or more a night working regularly, she lying. It's just not possible here and, contrary to how girls talk, there is no 'magic club' in town where you will make bank.
It's ridiculous. There are so many clubs out here that say fuck the law and let the girls do whatever during a lapdance that the only guys who come to clubs regularly are those trying to get fucked. Between this law being pass and the clubs that are entirely lawless, the clubs out here are lost.
laplover69
05-26-2007, 05:22 AM
I believe that attorney Scott Berghold is behind this Fascist Group. I believe he describes himself as a recovering porn addict. Problem is he now wants to use governmental force to restrict freedom of speech and expression. Scott has been in Georgia trying to get the Love Shack shut down in Johns Creek. So far the Love Shack remains open. www.cornettaenterprises.com
I agree they are more "personal freedom" issues, but when it's spun that way
instead of "family values" the perception is the politicians get more votes being "family friendly" than standing up for "personal freedom" issues. Daniel Linz has conducted many "secondary effects" studies that refute the CCV's & state of Ohio's claims that these types of businesses cause more crime, lower property values etc. One of his studies is here: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/maps/dallas2001/bryant2001.pdf
And some courts rule in our favor like here: http://www.gazette.net/stories/041307/prinnew170401_32339.shtml
http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2004/11/17/news/lake_county/a0a5a452760356e886256f4f00155ea2.txt
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4837795.html
The opponents like Scott Bergthold (Community Defense Counsel), CCV, Alliance Defense Fund also have several negative "secondary effects" studies that appear to support their position. The problem with their studies is they are usually done in cities/states that are NOT relevant to the proposed new law in the city/state they are attempting to legislate, and typically they are from YEARS AGO. Sad thing is that some courts will admit this often bogus, outdated and irrelevant "junk science" as sufficient evidence to legislate the clubs out of business. If the Ohio Supreme Court has very many Antonin Scalias, or Clarence Thomas' clones on the bench, a successful legal challenge by the clubs is dead indeed. On the other hand, if the Ohio Supreme Court is made up clones of Ruth Ginsberg's, John Paul Stevens or even David Souters, I like our chances...
liberator
05-27-2007, 04:27 AM
All great points. Also Flanigans Ent V Fulton County,Manatee V Peek A Boo and A case out of Daytona Beach were cases won by clubs. As You correctly state the secondary effects studies governments use are old and outdated and Daniel Linz has proven the methodology used in those studies were flawed and really had nothing to do with adult businesses. www.freespeechcoalition clicl on secondary efeects. I figured the Houston Clubs would get a stay in the 5th circuit. I'm optimistic the Ohio Clubs will get a stay also.
laplover69
05-27-2007, 05:55 PM
All great points. Also Flanigans Ent V Fulton County,Manatee V Peek A Boo and A case out of Daytona Beach were cases won by clubs. As You correctly state the secondary effects studies governments use are old and outdated and Daniel Linz has proven the methodology used in those studies were flawed and really had nothing to do with adult businesses. www.freespeechcoalition clicl on secondary efeects. I figured the Houston Clubs would get a stay in the 5th circuit. I'm optimistic the Ohio Clubs will get a stay also.
Well the Houston clubs did indeed get a stay, will be interesting to see if Ohio gets the same treatment...
laplover69
05-31-2007, 04:18 PM
I heard through a good attorney friend of mine that some clubs are considering NOT COMPLYING with the new law and offering to pay court costs and attorney fees for any customer or dancer cited if this law is enforced. Chances of uniform enforcement appear unpractical. This is very similar to what happened in Tampa, Florida a few years back when the city council passed a 6 foot rule, dancers were subsequently cited, the clubs hired attorney Luke Lirot, & cases went to trial where the law was ruled UNCONSTITUTIONAL by a judge and the not enforced again. There are other options also and some are exploring how broad the implications of Lawrence vs Texas can be construed to apply to strip clubs in a truly PRIVATE VIP ROOM. The clubs can always refute the states and CCV's claims that the perceived "secondary effects" are unfounded and supply their own evidence and studies. There are also other possibilities such as requesting a jury trial if cited, but this would not overturn any law, and also the chances are fair that a judge will grant a stay of enforcement just like what happened in Houston, Texas recently. Will indeed be interesting to see how this plays out.
liberator
05-31-2007, 05:39 PM
All good legal strategies. I would try to get a stay using the secondary effects studies in Fulton County and other jurisdictions which favor the clubs. The only problem with non compliance prior to getting a stay is the possibility of getting stripped of your business license or alcohol licenses and then having to go to court to get em back. Lawrence should be extended to all adult entertainment venues period in my view.
laplover69
05-31-2007, 05:49 PM
All good legal strategies. I would try to get a stay using the secondary effects studies in Fulton County and other jurisdictions which favor the clubs. The only problem with non compliance prior to getting a stay is the possibility of getting stripped of your business license or alcohol licenses and then having to go to court to get em back. Lawrence should be extended to all adult entertainment venues period in my view.
Agree. Joe Redner of Mons Venus in Tampa Florida is a very bold man... He dared to the city to enforce its 6 foot ordinance and never lost his license (no alcohol) for non-compliance even after the law was passed. When the city of Tampa finally raided the clubs and after dancers (not customers) were cited for violations Luke Lirot was hired and a judge ruled in the clubs favor and enforcement ceased.
Kahoots in Columbus is already trying to comply with the new rules. I have moved on to another club that is still using the old rules. We'll have to see how this plays out.
Helle
06-03-2007, 11:15 AM
That's stupid of Kahoots to do.
My club is def. waiting until thee last fricking second before they change anything. They act like it's Armageddon.
laplover69
06-03-2007, 04:24 PM
That's stupid of Kahoots to do.
My club is def. waiting until thee last fricking second before they change anything. They act like it's Armageddon.
Yeah, my good attorney friend believes that there will be at least 3 clubs that he is directly or indirectly representing that will not comply with the new law after this goes into effect in August. There are several ways they are considering in fighting this new law and chances are at least 50-50 they will be successful in at least one of their legal strategies.
Helle
06-04-2007, 09:28 AM
Now see, I think that is stupid. I think deliberatly breaking the law because they don't like it is the exact WRONG way to go about getting a change. In fact that's one reason they are so gung ho to close clubs--Clubs around here don't like the laws they are given and so, instead of fighting them the right way, they just ignore them and give us all a bad name.
I don't like this law and what it represents anymore than any other dancer or patron in Ohio, but I think any person or club who will so blatantly disregard it as opposed to fighting it legally SHOULD be shut down.
Uncanny
06-04-2007, 09:56 AM
Dockside Dolls has gone nude and have lost their liquor license.
Helle
06-04-2007, 01:26 PM
Does that mean there are no topless clubs I can now go to and listen to Akon on repeat??
laplover69
06-04-2007, 03:59 PM
Now see, I think that is stupid. I think deliberatly breaking the law because they don't like it is the exact WRONG way to go about getting a change. In fact that's one reason they are so gung ho to close clubs--Clubs around here don't like the laws they are given and so, instead of fighting them the right way, they just ignore them and give us all a bad name.
I don't like this law and what it represents anymore than any other dancer or patron in Ohio, but I think any person or club who will so blatantly disregard it as opposed to fighting it legally SHOULD be shut down.
The don't like it nor do they believe it will ultimately be ruled constitutional, thus if a dancer or patron is cited for violation this can expedite a ruling by a judge whether or not it is constitutional. In Houston, Texas http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4837795.html a stay of enforcement was granted by a judge AFTER clubs were cited for violations.
There are several other legal strategies being considered besides non-compliance. :)
Laylas
06-05-2007, 02:28 PM
Just some info for Ohio voters on which congresswo/men voted for/against this bill....
05/16/2007 House - Third Consideration
Yeas - 73
Adams -R
Aslanides -R
Bacon -R
Barrett -D
Batchelder -R
Blessing -R
Bolon -D
Book -D
Brady -D
Brinkman -R
Bubp -R
Carmichael -R
Coley -R
Collier -R
Combs -R
Core -R
Daniels -R
DeBose -D
Distel -D
Dodd -D
Dolan -R
Domenick -D
Driehaus -D
Dyer -D
Evans -R
Fende -D
Fessler -R
Flowers -R
Garrison -D
Gibbs -R
Goodwin -R
Goyal -D
Hagan J. -R
Harwood -D
Healy -D
Heard -D
Hite -R
Hottinger -R
Huffman -R
Hughes -R
Jones -R
Latta -R
Lundy -D
Mallory -D
Mandel -R
McGregor J. -R
McGregor R. -R
Oelslager -R
Okey -D
Patton -R
Peterson -R
Raussen -R
Reinhard -R
Sayre -D
Schindel -R
Schlichter -R
Schneider -R
Seitz -R
Setzer -R
Stebelton -R
Stewart J. -R
Uecker -R
Wachtmann -R
Wagner -R
Wagoner -R
Webster -R
White -R
Widener -R
Widowfield -R
Williams B. -R
Wolpert -R
Zehringer -R
Husted -R
Nays - 24
Beatty -D
Brown -D
Budish -D
Celeste -D
Chandler -D
DeGeeter -D
Foley -D
Gerberry -D
Hagan R. -D
Koziura -D
Letson -D
Luckie -D
Miller -D
Otterman -D
Redfern -D
Skindell -D
Stewart D. -D
Strahorn -D
Sykes -D
Szollosi -D
Ujvagi -D
Williams S. -D
Yates -D
Yuko -D
05/22/2007 Senate - House Amendments
Yeas - 25
Amstutz -R
Austria -R
Boccieri -D
Buehrer -R
Cafaro -D
Carey -R
Cates -R
Clancy -R
Coughlin -R
Faber -R
Gardner -R
Goodman -R
Grendell -R
Jacobson -R
Kearney -D
Miller R -D
Niehaus -R
Padgett -R
Schaffer -R
Schuler -R
Schuring -R
Spada -R
Stivers -R
Wilson -D
Harris -R
Nays - 8
Fedor -D
Goodman -R
Miller D -D
Morano -D
Mumper -R
Roberts -D
Schuler -R
Smith -D
carolina6
06-06-2007, 02:15 AM
I can almost guarantee that my club will not enforce the law. We are supposed to be a non-contact club, but it is not enforced. The only time our club has been cited for anything it was serving an underage customer. Other clubs are routinely busted, but ours goes unchecked due to our owner getting in good with the cops (I won't speculate as to how).
Personally, I can't afford to chance it, so I'll have to move out of state or quit dancing. I hope to have a job which requires background checks and I can't have a record, especially for something so ridiculous.
laplover69
06-07-2007, 02:52 PM
Being put on the ballot to overturn this silly law make sure you vote! http://www.myfoxcleveland.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=3427997&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
http://www.myfoxcleveland.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=766FC4A578187E50B7B812B3E9D59E70 ?contentId=3040190&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1
Uncanny
06-07-2007, 07:24 PM
ACE Petitions to Block Ohio Strip Club Regulations
COLUMBUS - The Buckeye Association of Club Executives (ACE) has launched a petition drive to put an issue on the Nov. 6 ballot to block a law regulating strip clubs and other adult entertainment businesses from taking effect.
Even though the law is not scheduled to take effect until Sept. 4, it's already hurting the clubs and the dancers who work there. Customers think it's gone into effect, so they are afraid to patronize Ohio's adult cabarets," ACE spokeswoman Sandy Theis told the Dayton Daily News.
Drafted in response to pressure from the Cincinnati-based ultra-conservative group Citizens for Community Values, the new bill prohibits physical contact between dancers and patrons as well as nude or semi-nude performing between midnight and 6 a.m. It additionally requires that all clubs without liquor licenses close at midnight.
In order to qualify for the Nov. 6 ballot, the petition must gather 1,000 signatures from registered voters. Those petitions must then be certified and then an additional 241,366 signatures must be filed by Sept. 3, the day before the law takes effect.
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said he would allow the bill to become law without his signature after it was approved by the state legislature.
The ballot issue would be a referendum — supporters of the law would vote "yes" and opponents "no."
laplover69
06-12-2007, 07:00 PM
Taking it to the polls before court...
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/06/12/PM200706127.html
liberator
06-12-2007, 07:44 PM
I hope it gets on the ballot and passes. If not sue em in court.
carolina6
06-14-2007, 11:11 AM
All the club owners from Ohio are being asked to put up at least 20k of their own money to fund the signature drive and campaigning. They are hoping to raise 1.5 million.
Even if enough signatures are collected, and it goes on the ballot, I'm skeptical as to it going in our favor. This is Ohio. People here for some reason love the government controlling their personal lives. I guess they aren't sure how to control their own, it makes them feel better for someone else to tell them what to do. ::Whining:: I don't want to move to Indiana.
liberator
06-14-2007, 05:38 PM
Unitede we stand divided we fall! Let's take it to em!
laplover69
06-14-2007, 05:59 PM
All the club owners from Ohio are being asked to put up at least 20k of their own money to fund the signature drive and campaigning. They are hoping to raise 1.5 million.
Even if enough signatures are collected, and it goes on the ballot, I'm skeptical as to it going in our favor. This is Ohio. People here for some reason love the government controlling their personal lives. I guess they aren't sure how to control their own, it makes them feel better for someone else to tell them what to do. ::Whining:: I don't want to move to Indiana.
Well if they do gather enough signatures and lose at the Ballot Box, it still can be challenged in court and there is at least a 50-50 chance that it will be ruled UNconstitutional even if the voters side with the CCV. Just because the voters may hypothetically side with the CCV, it doesn't mean the proposed law will be ruled constitutional by the courts.
laplover69
06-17-2007, 04:21 AM
Sounds like Ohio at least has a good Attorney General!
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070616/NEWS24/706160441
Helle
06-18-2007, 08:06 AM
Yeah, it's getting real old having every customer who comes in freak out and ask me about 'closing at 11' and 'six foot rule'-- None of which is in the bill. Our club has set up an information station outside the doors with a big bulletin board outlining the rules, petitions to sign, updates, tip cups, etc.
i.breathe.in
06-24-2007, 02:41 PM
its so insane, has it changed things much? i moved to south carolina in september 06, so im curious how bad it is there now.
in a state already with a shitty economy doesnt it figure that they would be less assholes about the situation? that state needs all the jobs and economy it can get.
liberator
06-24-2007, 05:54 PM
The clubs haven't got an injunction yet?
Paris
06-24-2007, 06:20 PM
Sorry I had to move this thread. It has little to do with clubs and more to do with politics. I do find it interesting reading, though.
Melonie
06-25-2007, 05:56 PM
this thread definitely needs to be kept alive ...
So the bottom line at this point appears to be that the measure will make it onto the ballot during the next Ohio election. This essentially buys the clubs and dancers an extra 2 months beyond the original September 4th enaction date.
The next question is whether or not the measure will be defeated by the majority of Ohio registered voters. This of course depends on the percentage of bible thumpers / family value types / pissed off homeowners who are likely to cast votes to uphold the Bill. I'm betting that the Bill will be upheld by at least a 70-30 majority.
At that point, the only serious opportunity available to Ohio adult businesses is to band together and pony up the couple of million bucks it will cost to appeal in the federal court system. Again I'm betting that, because the law places the penalties for excessive contact squarely on the dancers, the clubowners are going to decide to save their money by not mounting a federal appeal, and use that money to bail out and pay fines for busted dancers
What I'm talking about is the same scenario which has developed in other cities with strict contact laws that are seldom enforced - a revolving door system where the clubowners look the other way, where the dancers willingly break the law on a nightly basis because if they don't they can't earn enough to make dancing worthwhile, where occasional busts occur, where dancers are bailed out by the clubowner - are offered a plea bargain by the club's attorney with fine paid by the clubowner - and where they can be back dancing again the very next night. The only real negative to this revolving door scenario is that dancers start to accumulate a lengthy 'rap sheet' of sex crime related busts and de-facto guilty pleas.
This can come back to haunt the busted dancers if A. a new dancers' licensing law is suddenly passed for which they cannot qualify because of the plea bargains (= de-facto guilty plea), and B. if the dancers attempt to apply for a 'straight job' after retiring from dancing. However, from the clubowner's point of view A. and B. are not HIS problem ... and there will undoubtedly be a steady stream of new dancers available to keep the club in business.
The one 'unknown' wrinkle to the Ohio Bill is the provision which makes it possible to bust customers for excessive contact right along with dancers. If this indeed happens, you can count on the majority of businessmen, philandering husbands, middle class bachelors with careers ahead of them etc. disappearing from Ohio clubs because they simply cannot risk the publicity of a bust or the stigma of a 'sex crime' charge on their permanent records. If such busts do occur, all that you're going to have left for customers is the 'raincoat and sweat pants' crowd ... who are going to expect maximum 'bang' for their buck.
My advice to Ohio dancers ... either plan on moving before this coming November, or start applying now for a 'straight' job.
At my home club, all contact on stage is now forbidden per the recent club rules revision. My fav can only give me an air stage show and my tip has to be carefully delivered via her wrist garter with all care to avoid personal contact. It's ridiculous.
Contact is still permitted in the LD area right now but that could be nuked if the club starts feeling pressure from the authorities. Some customers might be OK with clouds and fluffy dances but most will vote with their feet. Where they can stomp off to I dont know for sure...Indiana?
As a result of this unwanted puritanism, the smart custies will shrug and obey the rules publicly but seek out dancers who are willing to meet in other venues. Some dancers won't agree believing that somehow they can hang on to their earnings but a significant percentage of the dancers will see the writing on the wall and agree to other arrangements to preserve their incomes. Or relocate. Or get out of the business. So all the CCV has accomplished is to move underground what was better regulated by the club. And in their minds they have saved the souls of a few sinning customers and dancers >:( CCV, we who are about to die salute you :finger:
FBR
laplover69
06-25-2007, 08:31 PM
If the Ohio voters decide to uphold this bill it doesn't mean it is CONSTITUTIONAL, not does it mean it is unconstitutional if they vote to overturn it. The clubs may get a stay of enforcement like what recently happened in Houston, Texas. There is precedent case law (from other states) that would uphold this law being constitutional and there is case law (from other states) that would deem it UNconstitutional. The OHIO Supreme Court is probably where the final decision rests in this matter, or perhaps even the US Supreme Court. Erie Vs. Paps left ample room for the clubs to challenge the often bogus/irrelevant perceived "negative secondary effects" theories that the Fascist Theocrats from the religious right use as a guise to further their ideas of a Utopian world in our free? and pluralistic society with many different and UNIQUE moral and religious beliefs. There are plenty of high powered attorneys capable of refuting the negative secondary effects b.s., question is whether the clubs/dancers will ante up the $$$ to litigate this. I think this could be won by the clubs and dancers if properly appealed. If not, look for many dancers to do "private parties" with or w/o security and or migrate to any of the closest neighboring states i.e. Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, or Michigan where NONE of these have such overly restrictive state laws.
Laylas
06-25-2007, 09:46 PM
I know my club owner has banded together with other club owners across the state to raise legal funds and raise awareness about the bill through advertisements in local papers, signature campaigns, etc. We dancers now get charged an extra $3 a night to go towards legal fees (which is fine by me, but other dancers have been grumbling(?) about it). I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
Budai
06-25-2007, 10:42 PM
This sounds like a job for Roger Diamond, strip club attorney extraordinaire...
Lap-Dance Liberty Fighter
December 2, 1999
Roger Jon Diamond is intent on protecting the skin trade's right to arouse.
Angela's thong bikini leaves so little to the imagination that her customer never really looks her in the eye. He is instructed to sit on a couch and keep his hands by his sides. To throbbing disco music, she dances in front of him, rolling her hips, and then mounts him, kneeling, making contact with his lap and rubbing her barely covered bosom on his face.
The next night, an undercover cop who had filmed the private dance using a tiny, hidden video camera arrested Angela, six other employees, and two club managers of the Sahara Theater in Anaheim on charges of prostitution and unlawful touching.
After showing jurors the videotape of the dancers, prosecutors argued that it was simply bikini-clad prostitution. Bump and grind notwithstanding, the dancer's erotic undulations are an expression of her First Amendment rights in a theatrical performance, said Santa Monica attorney Roger Jon Diamond, even if there's an audience of only one.
Though Diamond lost at trial, he won at the Second District Court of Appeal when the justices compared the lap dancer's performance to the sexy choreography of the hit movie Dirty Dancing. Jeffrey Goldfarb of Rutan & Tucker, who is handling the appeals for Anaheim, has petitioned the state Supreme Court to hear the case. He says the appeal court's ruling was contrary to existing law and opinions and would "create a hole in prostitution laws you can drive a truck through."
As counsel to skin merchants for the past 30 years, Diamond fights for the right of lap dancers to slither and shimmy under the aegis of the First Amendment. He has battled on behalf of the adult entertainment industry across the United States, convincing bedroom communities they can't seal their borders to topless and nude clubs. It has worked well for him, judging from his response to a question on his win-loss record. After a thoughtful silence, he says, "I'm trying to think of when I've lost."
carolina6
06-26-2007, 12:48 AM
Every dancer, waitress, and bartender in our club pays 1 dollar per shift for our legal fees. Our owner has actually had his lawyer defend quite a few of our employees for things like DUIs. I'm hoping he's actually been using this money for his lawyer and not been pocketing it like I suspect.
I would love to continue dancing, but I cannot risk a bust. Any mark on my record could ruin my future career. I think I'm going to get out of the business just because I really don't want to move out of Ohio. I do, to spite the state for taking away my job, but I don't, because my bf lives here and I don't want to move farther away.
This sucks. I wish it would just magically go away. Like, it will become a law but the police simply will not care and won't bother to enforce it at all. I don't see how they have the time or money to enforce it anyway. As far as I know, Ohio's budget doesn't include enough money for police or fire departments as it is.
Melonie
06-26-2007, 03:27 AM
Like, it will become a law but the police simply will not care and won't bother to enforce it at all. I don't see how they have the time or money to enforce it anyway. As far as I know, Ohio's budget doesn't include enough money for police or fire departments as it is.
Well, laws like this one are an ideal source of new funds for the court system and police. The reasons are that
A. it does not require a ton of expensive pre-bust investigation time or any physical risk to the cops to make club busts
B. extremely few busted dancers are going to reject a plea bargain thus causing the gov't to pay for a jury trial
C. the fines will probably be stiff ( I saw a max $10,000 somewhere, but probably something in the $1000 range will be 'normal')
D. extremely few busted dancers are going to lose during a jury trial thus causing the gov't to pay for their 'visit' to the local jail
laplover69
06-28-2007, 03:33 AM
When the issue of strip clubs and 6 foot rules, limiting hours of operation, etc. came up for a public referendum vote in Scottsdale, AZ, the voters sided with the clubs instead of the religious fanatics. Scottsdale, Az is not like the entire state of Ohio, but it just shows you there are several citizens who are for less government involvement and pro civil liberties/choice than the religious freaks... Like I said before, even if the voters uphold the CCV's law in Ohio, it doesn't ultimately mean it is constitutional...