Lawmakers Look to Prohibit Lap Dances

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KCPW News) State regulators want to make it very clear that nude and semi-nude dancers must keep their distance from customers.

"It requires a clear separation between patrons and entertaininers, and quite frankly that will put an end to lap dancing," says Earl Dorius, licensing director for the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

It also means no mingling between performers and patrons, adds Dorius. He says the 130-page bill approved by a Senate panel today is mainly a reflection of the strict laws cities have passed on sexually-oriented businesses:

"We're making state law more consistent with what we're seeing is the standard in local ordinances," says Dorius.

The measure includes explicit definitions of nude and semi-nude dancing and makes it clear that such performances are only allowed in taverns and social clubs. Completely nude performers are prohibited in clubs where liquor is sold. The changes are partly a reaction to a lengthy battle between the state and the now-defunct Monkey Bar in Park City.
Semi-nude dancers would be prohibited from giving lap dances or mingling with patrons under a new law being considered by state legislators. A Senate panel today approved the measure.

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