Inslee signs Washington's 'Strippers' Bill of Rights' into law
Strippers in Washington state will have some of the broadest workplace protections in the country under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday.
The so-called "Strippers' Bill of Rights" requires strip clubs in Washington to conduct sexual harassment training for all employees, hire full-time security guards, and install panic buttons, among other safety measures.
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"It's pretty simple why we're passing this bill," Inslee said during the bill signing. "These are working folks, and working people deserve safety in the environment in which they work."
The legislation also caps the fees clubs can charge to rent the stage, which dancers report are higher in Washington than other states. They've said that because strip clubs are forbidden from selling alcohol, charging dancers higher fees is one of the few ways to make money.
The new law also creates a pathway to legalizing alcohol sales in strip clubs. It strikes down a Liquor and Cannabis Board rule that outlines different types of "lewd conduct" that are forbidden in establishments that serve alcohol.
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Monica Nickelsburg
Labor & Economy Reporter
Monica Nickelsburg is an economy reporter covering labor issues, the changing nature of work, the rise and fall of industries, technology trends and workplace equity. She has extensive experience covering Amazon, Microsoft and other major players re-shaping the Seattle region.
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