San Diego

Waitresses, waiters and dancers who defy state rules and perform their duties nude now face police citations and possible arrest in San Diego, the City Council decided Monday.

Without discussion, the council unanimously approved an ordinance aimed at a handful of bar owners that police say take advantage of slow-moving enforcement practices and have their employees serve drinks or dance fully naked, which creates “unfair competition.”

Sgt. Thomas J. Giaquinto of the police vice squad said most local bars stick to state Alcoholic Beverage Control rules that allow employees to go topless. But when some renegade bar owners permit their employees to go bottomless as well, it may take as long as two years to get the state to shut down the defiant establishment, Giaquinto said.

Now, Giaquinto said, police can take action against dancers and employees rather than just filing complaints against bar owners.

The new ordinance also requires topless dancers to be at least six feet from the nearest bar patron, and to perform on a stage at least 18 inches above floor level. Violations will be considered misdemeanors, Giaquinto said.