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In 2024, stripping laws across the United States showcase a diverse array of regulations concerning age restrictions, performance conduct, and venue licensing. For example, while Alabama requires individuals to be 18 years or older to engage in stripping activities, full nudity is prohibited, and performers must obtain an exotic dancer license. Conversely, Alaska lacks specific regulations regarding stripping, leaving the industry largely unregulated at the state level. These variations highlight the complex interplay between state statutes and local ordinances governing adult entertainment establishments.
Meanwhile, specific examples from different states illustrate the nuanced approaches to stripping regulation. In California, where the minimum age for stripping is 21, clubs offering full nudity are barred from serving alcohol, and all performers must meet stringent employment criteria, including holding a stripper license and earning at least minimum wage. On the other hand, states like Georgia impose no specific regulations on stripping at the state level, instead requiring adult entertainment permits at the local level. This diverse regulatory landscape underscores the intricate balance between individual freedoms, public morality, and regulatory oversight within the adult entertainment industry.
State | Minimum Age | Restrictions | Possible Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal | - Exotic dancer license |
Alaska | 18 | None | |
Arizona | 18 | None | - Exotic dancer license |
Arkansas | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Exotic dancer license |
California | 21 | - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol | All performers must: - Be classified as employees, - Have a stripper license, - Earn at least minimum wage |
Colorado | 18 | Restrictions are regulated on local level | - Exotic dancer license |
Connecticut | 18 | - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol | |
Delaware | 18 | - Strip clubs must close by 10pm, - Only Fairways Inn may legally have topless performers | |
Florida | 21 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Performers must have work ID cards, - Clubs must keep files on performers |
Georgia | 21 | None | - Adult entertainment permit |
Hawaii | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Adult entertainment permit, - Business license |
Idaho | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal, - No touching or simulation of sex acts | |
Illinois | 18 | - Stripper must be 15' or more from patrons, - Full nudity is illegal, - No touching allowed | Performers must have: - Federal tax ID, - Business license |
Indiana | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal, - No touching allowed | - Adult entertainment permit |
Iowa | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal | |
Kansas | 18 | - No touching allowed, - Full nudity is illegal | - Performer work identification card |
Kentucky | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Performer work identification card |
Louisiana | 21 | - Full nudity is illegal | - Adult entertainer permit |
Maine | 18 | None | |
Maryland | 18 | - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol | - Adult entertainment business license |
Massachusetts | 18 | None | Dancers must: - Be treated as an employee, - Receive all employee benefits |
Michigan | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Licenses issued by the MLCC, - Background check |
Minnesota | 18 | None | |
Mississippi | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Adult entertainment permit |
Missouri | 18 | - Performers must remain on stage, - Stage must be at least 18" high and 6' from customers, - Clubs must close 12am-6am, - Full nudity and alcohol are illegal | - Business license, - Federal tax EIN number |
Montana | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | |
Nebraska | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - Private contractor must obtain a business license |
Nevada | 18 | - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol | - Adult entertainment permit |
New Hampshire | 18 | None | |
New Jersey | 18 | - No touching allowed, - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol | - Adult entertainment permit |
New Mexico | 18 | - No touching allowed, - Private VIP rooms illegal | - Adult entertainment permit |
New York | 18 | - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol | - Adult entertainment permit, - Cabaret license |
North Carolina | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - License and background check |
North Dakota | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities | - License and background check |
Ohio | 21 | - Performers may only touch immediate family members, - Clubs must close by midnight | - Adult entertainment permit |
Oklahoma | 21 | - Full nudity is illegal | - Business license, - Federal tax EIN number |
Oregon | 21 | None | |
Pennsylvania | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal, - No touching allowed | - Entertainer's license to work, - Performers must report estimated tips on taxes |
Rhode Island | 18 | None | |
South Carolina | 18 | None | - Adult entertainment permit |
South Dakota | 18 | - No touching allowed | - License, - Background check |
Tennessee | 18 | - Drag entertainment is criminalized, - Full nudity is illegal, - Alcohol is prohibited in some cities | - County-issued permit |
Texas | 21 | - Full nudity is illegal | - License, - Background check |
Utah | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal, - Clubs with full nudity may not serve alcohol, - Performer must remain onstage, - Patrons must remain offstage, - No touching between performers and patrons, - No simulations of a variety of sex acts listed in Utah law | - Adult entertainment permit |
Vermont | 18 | None | - Adult entertainment license |
Virginia | 18 | - Full nudity is illegal, - Lap dances are illegal, - No mixed drinks in strip clubs | - Adult entertainment permit |
Washington | 21 | - Dancers cannot leave the stage, - Performers must stay 10' from patrons, - Restrict times when erotic dancing may be performed | - Adult entertainment permit, - Background check |
West Virginia | 18 | None | |
Wisconsin | 18 | - Performance must be on platform at least 18 inches high, - No touching allowed | |
Wyoming | 18 | Regulated by cities and municipalities |