Olympia, Washington. A groundbreaking piece of legislation dubbed the “strippers’ bill of rights” has been signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee, establishing unparalleled statewide protections for workers in the adult entertainment industry. The law, a first of its kind in terms of comprehensiveness, aims to create safer working environments for strippers and permits adult entertainment venues to sell alcohol.
Championed by Senator Rebecca Saldaña of Seattle, the legislation emphasizes that strippers are entitled to the same rights and protections as any other workforce. This includes safeguards against exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. The law mandates significant measures to ensure these protections: training for employees on preventing sexual harassment, identifying and reporting human trafficking, conflict de-escalation, and first aid. Furthermore, it requires the presence of security personnel, the installation of keypad codes on dressing room doors, and the provision of panic buttons in areas where entertainers may be alone with customers.
“Strippers are workers, and they should be given the same rights and protections as any other labor force,” said Senator Rebecca Saldaña of Seattle, who sponsored the bill in a news release. “If they are employed at a legal establishment in Washington, they deserve the safeguards that every worker is entitled to, including protection from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.”
Washington Law on Fee Caps for Adult Entertainers
Addressing the financial aspects of the industry, the law sets a cap on the fees that club owners can charge entertainers, limiting them to $150 or 30% of the dancers’ earnings per shift, whichever is less, and prohibits late fees and other charges related to unpaid balances. This measure seeks to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by dancers, who traditionally work as independent contractors, earning directly from customers and paying fees to clubs.
Additionally, the legislation necessitates written procedures for handling or expelling violent or intoxicated patrons and repeals the previous prohibition on adult entertainment establishments from obtaining liquor licenses if they feature full or partial nudity.
Following the enactment of the law, Supernova Seattle announced plans to become the first strip club in the state to serve alcohol, aligning with the changes brought about by the law. “We’re introducing Seattle’s first fully nude dance club with the repeal of the Lewd Conduct Act,” said Zac Levine, the owner of Supernova.
However, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) stated that Supernova’s actions, while innovative, do not comply with the legal and regulatory framework, emphasizing that the new rules aim to ensure worker and workplace safety rather than altering licensing provisions for alcohol sales.
The introduction of this legislation reflects a significant shift in the regulation and perception of the adult entertainment industry in Washington, advocating for improved safety, financial security, and dignity for workers. This move has sparked a dialogue on the balance between regulation, worker rights, and industry practices, marking a progressive step towards reforming the adult entertainment sector in 2024.
