Council Curbs Tipping of Adult Entertainers

Stricter laws affecting Anaheim’s sex-oriented businesses were adopted this week by the City Council despite objections from an attorney for several local clubs.

The council amended the city code to prohibit direct tipping of female entertainers or the soliciting of such tips, among other changes.

Santa Monica attorney Roger Diamond, who represents the Imperial Theater and Sahara’s Theatre, said that because dancers are independent contractors, the new rules mean “the dancers are basically not going to get paid.”

Diamond said the city’s regulations are an attempt “to drive [the clubs] out of business.”

City officials said the changes will help reduce secondary problems from adult businesses, such as crime and devaluation of nearby properties.

The changes also require managers and performers to have city-issued photo identification cards, enabling officers who check them to ensure that they are not minors.

There are five adult clubs with topless or nude entertainment in the city.