Prince George’s strip club restrictions struck down in federal court

U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis permanently enjoined the county from enforcing a law passed last year that prohibited patrons from touching or tipping dancers during performances. It also required dancers to perform on an elevated stage, at least six feet from customers at all times. Violators could be punished with a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

‘‘It was the most Draconian law, as it relates to strip clubs, that I’ve ever seen,” said plaintiff attorney Jimmy Bell, who represents Classics nightclub in Camp Springs, a male strip club.

The county had tried to link the activities at strip clubs with other crimes and health risks and viewed the legislation as a way to reduce those incidents.

But the ruling stated that, ‘‘There is nothing of any substance to support a conclusion that the secondary effects alleged by the county (such as rape, robbery, assault, theft from automobiles, etc.) would be reduced at all by requiring dancers to perform on an elevated stage, keeping patrons six feet away from performers, prohibiting tips during performances, banning any physical contact between patrons and entertainers, etc.”

The county has faced legal challenges ever since the council first tried to enact such restrictions in 2003.