The Texas Supreme Court upheld a $5 per patron fee requirement on establishments that provide both nude dancing entertainment and serve alcohol. The so-called “Pole Tax” was challenged on First Amendment freedom of expression grounds. The idea being that a forcing nude dancing clubs to pay this tax is a restriction on the dancers’ freedom to express themselves via gyrating naked.
The Texas high court was careful to make the distinction that the tax only applies to establishments that offer alcohol. In its opinion, the Court stated that the tax is not directed at the dancing itself, but rather at the “secondary effects” of naked dancing and alcohol consumption combined.
For the Court’s full opinion* click here: http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/austin/courts/upload/2011/08/supreme_court_upholds_texas_po/pole%20tax%20opinion.pdf
*in case you’re curious – take a look at footnote 4 on page 2 for the definition of “nude” – it takes a lot less nakedness to be “nude” than you might think.
For the original ABA Journal article click here: http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/texas_supreme_court_upholds_nude_dancing_customer_fee
For more information about Texas law contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or visit our website at www.thewrightlawyers.com.
Recent Comments