PRINCE GEORGES’ COUNTY, MD – New legislation passed in Prince George’s County requires all local adult entertainment businesses to obtain a license from the County Police department within the next month in order to operate legally. The new law also imposes new restrictions on nude dancing clubs in the area.The law, which was passed by the county council in a 8-0 vote on Tuesday, states that dancers can perform nude but must remain at least six feet from patrons at all times, perform on a stage that is at least 18-inches in height, and not touch or be touched on various parts of the body.
Adult businesses will also be required to close between 1:00am and 10:00am daily and may only allow customers 18 years or older inside. Businesses will also be required to submit plans for security, traffic management, parking lot lighting, and parking plans.
Prior to Tuesday’s vote, the council heard testimony from local residents and the owner of one local club.
Larry Bledsoe, owner of the Showcase Theater in Beltsville, told the council that the law could violate constitutional and civil rights of club owners, patrons, and performers, and questioned the validity of a report submitted to the council which linked the presence of strip clubs to crime in surrounding neighborhoods.
“These statistics are faulty,” said Bledsoe, according to The Washington Examiner.
Prince George’s County officials maintain that the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights, and that there is compelling need for regulation of the clubs.
“We in Prince George’s County have got to get a handle on these things,” Thomas Hendershot, the County Council Member representing New Carrollton, said last month.
Hendershot also wondered aloud if it was really impossible to ban such clubs altogether.
“If it’s not appropriate for Potomac,” asked Hendershot, “if it’s not appropriate for Columbia, if it’s not appropriate for Annapolis, why should it be appropriate for Prince George’s County?”
