OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new bill that would improve safety conditions at strip clubs in Washington is one step closer to becoming state law.
An amended version of what is called the “strippers’ bill of rights” was passed 58-36 by the House on Feb. 27. It now returns to the Senate for approval before heading to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk for final confirmation.
Senate Bill 6105 includes requirements such as new safety training for all dancers and employees on sexual harassment and human trafficking, installation of panic buttons in private dance rooms and added security officers at each club, among other changes.
It also would require all adult entertainment venues to have written procedures for dealing with or ejecting violent or intoxicated customers.
The bill also seeks to repeal a current law prohibiting adult entertainment establishments from having liquor licenses at venues with full or partial nudity. This rule is under consideration by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and by lawmakers under a separate measure.
Recently, four women spoke to KING 5 about their experiences working as strippers in Washington. They highlighted concerns for their safety and threats they often face in the workplace, how the sale of alcohol would change their work lives and how clubs could better provide financial security.
"It is an avenue of self-expression and empowerment that could exist in a truly safe and inclusive manner," said one dancer named Kasey. "And the only reason it does not is because of the regulations and the laws and the stigma around."