Oklahoma Strippers Might Need A License To Dance
Oklahoma lawmakers are looking to pull the curtain back on the adult entertainment industry with new proposals that would require performers to obtain state licenses. Rep. Stan May and Sen. Warren Hamilton have introduced bills aimed at shaking up how clubs operate across the state.
Age Limits and ID Checks
If passed, the minimum age to perform would jump from 18 to 21. It seems the state wants to ensure performers are old enough to buy a drink before they start serving looks. Under the "Entertainer Safety and Verification Act" and the "Exotic Entertainer Licensing Act," the ABLE Commission would handle the paperwork. To get a license, dancers must be legal residents, pass a background check, and provide a photo ID.
Safety or Surveillance?
The primary goal, according to authors, is to "strip" human trafficking out of the equation. Rep. May emphasized the need for verification, stating, "Whether you agree with those places or not, we should all agree people participating should be doing it of their own free will."
Sen. Hamilton noted that local police departments requested these measures to protect vulnerable individuals. However, the plan has some performers worried that a government paper trail could lead to privacy leaks. It’s a delicate balance: the state wants to keep tabs on the industry, but workers fear being "exposed" in the wrong way.
Hefty Fines for Rule-Breakers
The law wouldn't just be a slap on the wrist. Unlicensed dancing could lead to a $500 fine or a year in jail. For repeat offenders, the "pole-icy" gets even stricter, with fines potentially climbing to $10,000. If the bills pass, the new rules will take center stage on Nov. 1.
