Senate backs legislation to set minimum age for exotic dancers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Exotic dancers would have to be at least 21 to work in Missouri under a bill headed to the House.

The minimum age measure was added to a larger bill on alcohol sales that passed the Senate on Thursday by a 22-10 vote.

Sen. Sarah Steelman, who sponsored the dancing provision, said women can earn hundreds of dollars a day by dancing nude but risk being exploited. She also expressed concern about young women who perform in adult clubs becoming involved in pornography.

"I'm worried about 18-year-old girls being victimized," Steelman said. "These girls do not have the maturity to make decisions like this."

Steelman's provision did not receive any debate.

Current state law does not specify a minimum age for exotic dancers. But it is already a misdemeanor in Missouri to promote obscenity or pornography for minors through an obscene performance for monetary gain.

The law defines a "minor" as anyone under 18, and some have interpreted it as prohibiting people below that age from working as exotic dancers.

Anyone entering an adult club in Missouri must be at least age 18, although the state's legal drinking age is 21. Dancers in so-called juice bars, where no alcohol is served, can disrobe entirely while those working in clubs where alcohol is served must be partially covered.

Owners of adult clubs have said Steelman's proposal easily could be challenged in court because it prevents adults from earning a living.

A similar bill is pending in the House.

Steelman's provision was added to a bill backed by Sen. John Griesheimer that would allow restaurants to begin serving alcohol on Sundays at 9 a.m. instead of 11 a.m., as the law now provides. Establishments like liquor stores also could sell alcohol at 9 a.m. on Sunday, said Griesheimer, R-Washington.

Griesheimer said he was pleased that Steelman was able to get her measure attached to his bill.

"You have to be 21 to drink, then you have to be 21 to work in one of these dance clubs," Griesheimer said.