The (non)use of alcohol in topless establishments: Protection for women or gender policing?

Abstract

This article considers current and proposed restrictions placed on the adult industry in Chicago in order to explore the attempts made through legislation to control legal forms of sex work, specifically exotic dancing and burlesque. I focus specifically on the recent debate within the city of Chicago as to whether or not alcohol should be allowed in places where women are topless. While exotic dance is often discussed as a type of exploitation and a cause of urban blight, burlesque is uniformly discussed as positive and empowering, which affects discussion around the introduction of alcohol into each respective club. I conclude by discussing the possibility that the differentiation between exotic dance and burlesque may be a false dichotomy, and that regulations need to be talked about in conjunction with individuals who work in these industries, instead of the assumption that politicians have the laborers’ best interests in mind.

Undue harms against adult dancers: Regulation of strip club labor based on spurious research, claims, and stigma

“…More importantly, alcohol regulations may also limit a dancer's ability to be protected by the clubs and to secure financial freedom; an ironic outcome of regulations meant to protect instead of harm, due to being based in bad science. In one study (Anasti, 2018), a dancer participant discussed how she believes that alcohol prohibition materially limits a dancer's ability to make more money—an especially crucial factor considering that most dancers are independent contractors and pay the clubs to work every shift (Mount, 2018; Person, 2016). When alcohol is not a source of revenue, dancers become the primary source of revenue and commodity for clubs (Anasti, 2018; Deshotels & Forsyth, 2008), putting them in precarious relationships with clubs.…”

“…In one study (Anasti, 2018), a dancer participant discussed how she believes that alcohol prohibition materially limits a dancer's ability to make more money—an especially crucial factor considering that most dancers are independent contractors and pay the clubs to work every shift (Mount, 2018; Person, 2016). When alcohol is not a source of revenue, dancers become the primary source of revenue and commodity for clubs (Anasti, 2018; Deshotels & Forsyth, 2008), putting them in precarious relationships with clubs. Dancers report multifarious examples of financial exploitation by clubs such as indebting dancers, forcing payment of tips to club employees, and disparate treatment of dancers of color (Deshotels & Forsyth, 2008; Law, 2012; Mount, 2018; Silva et al, 2022).…”

“…Likewise, in another study (Deshotels & Forsyth, 2008), an interviewed strip club manager expressed that because the club's profit is generated from alcohol sales, this source of profit motivates him to protect and side with dancers on his shift: “I make my money off the drinks the men buy, but they will not be here if the girls aren't here.” Dancers rely on management and club staff to enforce rules and security, and without that support, they are left to be their own security (Mount, 2018). In two studies (Anasti, 2018; Deshotels & Forsyth, 2008), participants also stated that alcohol creates more avenues for generating profit, like talking with customers over drinks and giving dancers more autonomy and freedom in their work.…”

“…However, these control mechanisms likely cost considerable amounts of money. Interview participants noted that alcohol is linked to increased revenue and that club management is more likely to protect dancers when it is financially beneficial for them (Anasti, 2018; Deshotels & Forsyth, 2008). So, if strip clubs have healthy revenue, then these control mechanisms may be more likely to be implemented and enforced.…”

“…So, if strip clubs have healthy revenue, then these control mechanisms may be more likely to be implemented and enforced. Further, a researcher (Anasti, 2018) posited that alcohol prohibition and other “demonizing” regulations ultimately prevent dancers from being “more equipped” to address labor violations in their workplaces and establish protections. Overall, fewer criminalized and spurious regulations on dancer conduct and alcohol service are associated with more lucrative, safe, and positive strip clubs for the community, staff, patrons, and especially dancers and their labor.…”