| Action | Clarifying and Simplifying Retailer Regulations |
| Stage | Proposed |
| Comment Period | Ended on 10/17/2008 |
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152 comments
Gentlemen and Ladies,
Please think about what you are doing. These ladies are having fun and working. They are not working the streets or doing anything illegal. This law would seriously ruin me from going out and relaxing on the weekends. Please don't take away our topless ladies. Our I will have to reconsider who I vote for on the next election. Along with all my voting friends.
Sincerely,
Harold Strode
I have worked in a gentlemens club for the last year while the entertainers were topless, there have been no inncidents in that time period. I am curious why the VA ABC can enforce a law stating that 1.) I have to dance in paisties. There is very little difference between pasties and topless dancing except for the inconvinience of pitting them on and the pain of removing them. And 2.) Why I have to have a measured 3 foot distance between myself and the customer, there currently is no contact w customers. This extra regulation is unneccessary.
I strongly object to the proposed regulations. As a citizen, registered voter, and public officer of the Commonwealth, it distresses me that any state agency, which is supposed to enforce the laws of The Commonwealth, seeks regulations that grant it the power to enforce beyond those laws. Once this power is granted to the ABC board, the result would be the long-armed tyranny of the ABC, under which all licensees would be forced to live. Again, I strongly object and ask that you please not pass any regulation that allows for enforcement beyond our laws, as passed by our elected officials.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Please don't pass these regulations. They are unnecessary. Please rethink these choices.
Thank you
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If the US 4TH Circuit Court has already deemed this to be over board who is the Virginia ABC
to change it. I have served this country for twenty years and feel is just another freedom being taking
Away from me. How do you think the people coming here for vacation will feel when they can’t go into
a 7 11 to get a cold drink because they have their swim suit on? These laws were astablished in the 50s
and should not apply to 2008. If you want to really run people out of your state, keep it up I can pay
taxes in any state that I choose!!! Why is the ABC board trying to pass their own laws?
Will there be no end to this type of big brother watch dog over our basic freedoms ?
If you have to be 21 to enter a bar you should be treated as such, not a child that mommy has to hide
from the real world. Grow up, wake up, and smell the roses. This is not a far east country.
This is the USA and we stand and fight for freedom everyday how dare you to try and take mine away? `
ur comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.
I am in favor for topless dancing in Portsmouth and Chesapeake,Va. I do truly feel that it is not important for the ABC Board to regulate whether or not someone wears a bathing suit top to a convenience store,grocery store,or night club. There does however need to be regulations in place in the adult clubs. The adult clubs are exactly that ADULT, but there does need to be rules and regulations due to the fact that not all customers or entertainers have the same ideas on what are sexual acts or what are simulated sex acts. There should be an amount of space between the entertainer and patron. The genital areas,pubic hair,or anus need to be covered not only for the safety of the entertainer but for the health of all in these clubs. The breast covering is a bit outdated though. We are all adults that perform in the clubs and adults that come to the clubs to be entertained. I dont think the pasties are needed at beer only establishments. ABC permit holders should not be penalized for others disreguard of the rules that are in place.
Consenting adults work, and consenting adults frequent these places. Whether you're a waitress or a bartender or even a dancer, this affects you! How is it that the crest for Virginia has a topless woman depicted and is on every police officers uniform and in every government building? So a police officer can issue someone a ticket for wearing what they have an image of on their uniform? The human form is not obscene! ABC should stick to their job, and let the "elected officials" do the ultimate deciding. I vote for freedom. All of them. Adult estabilshments are just that. ADULT. These are legitimate businesses and industries. Don't vote for this, let adults be adults, and relax without having to look over their shoulder for "mom".
THIS REGULATION WOULDNT ALLOW BIKINIS IN ANY ABC LICENSED ESTABLISHMENT .
NO PORTION OF THE BUTTOCKS CAN BE DISPLAYED, NO PORTION OF THE BREASST BELOW THE TOP OF THE AREOLA CAN BE DISPLAYED .IS IT STILL 1950 .HAVE YOU SEEN THE TOPS & BOTTOMS GIRLS WEAR TODAY , DID YOU SEE THE WOMENS VOLLEYBALL TEAM ON TV LIKE MILLIONS OF FAMILIES ARROUND THE WORLD & WHAT THEY WORE ,HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE BEACH LATELY ,WHAT ABOUT BIKINIS . WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT . SO NO GIRL IN A BIKINI TOP OR BOTTOM AT THE OCEAN FRONT CAN WALK INTO A 7-11 , A PIZZA PLACE , A BAR , A RESTAURANT , ANY LICENSED PORTION OF THE HOTEL ,THATS CRAZY . HOW DO YOU EXPECT AN ABC AGENT TO CONTROLL & ENFORCE THAT .THEY CANT ITS IMPOSSIBLE .LETS GET WITH THE TIMES & PUT A REGULATION TOGETHER THAT FITS TODAYS SOCIETY .LF
I OBJECT TO THE ENTIRE REGULATION .
THE PORTION I OBJECT THE MOST IS # 4. NO FONDELING OR CARESSING OF YOUR OWN BUT BREAST OR GENITALS . PLEASE ,GIVE ME A BREAK . PEOPLE GRAB & SMACK THIR FRIENDS ON THE BUT ALL THE TIME . SO NOW I CANT PUT MY HAND IN MY GIRLFRIENDS BACK POCKET WHILE WE ARE STANDING AT THE BAR OR HAVE MY HANDS ON HER BUT WEN WE ARE SLOW DANCING .OR IF MY UNDERWEAR IS BUNCHING & I DISCRETELY TRY TO ADJUST MYSELF THAT WOULD VIOLATE THIS REGULATION .WHAT ABOUT A WOMAN ADJUSTING OR GRABING HER BREAST . FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND A LICENSED ESTABLISHMENT WOULD GET A FINE &POSSIBLY LOSE THIER LICENSE OVER THESE THINGS . HOW IS THIS EVEN A CONCERN IS THERE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM OF PEOPLE TOUCHING THEMSELVES & EACH OTHER SOUNDS LIKE YOUR JUST TRYING TO MAKE THE THE JOB OF ABC & THE LICENSE HOLDER .MORE COMPLICATED .WHOS GOING TO TRAIN THE AGENT WHATS FONDLING & WHATS NOT .OR IS IT GOING TO BE THIER DISCRESSION .THAT WOULD REALLY OPEN A CAN OF WORMS. PLUS HOW COULD THAT BE FAIR.. ITS NOT FAIR & ITS NOT NECESSARY . I STRONGLY OBJECT TO THIS REGULATION .
These regulations seem to be rediculous and unnecessary. Please think again about what you are doing when writing regulations that are imposed on the voting public.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please don't tell me what I can and cannot do with my body. I am a responsible young lady with a few years experience, and have never done anything illegal. These new regulations would now make me a criminal just for walking into 7-11 in my bathing suit, or walking up behind my fiance and patting is buttocks. I am a very affectionate person and this would now be a crime. I am not a bad person or a criminal. I am a certified dental assistant and went bankrupt trying to pursue this degree. I now make a living as a bartender and entertainer. I can now pay taxes and not collect government checks. You pass these rediculous laws and you might as well start giving me your tax dollars again.
Thank You
I AM TOTALLY AND COMPLETLY AGAINST THIS LEGISLATION. IN A FREE MARKET SYSTEM THE CONSUMER WILL DETERMINE WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE. SUCH BUSINESSES WILL EITHER FLOURISH OR FAIL BASED ON CONSUMER SUPPORT IT IS NOT THE JOB OF GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE AND ENFORCE MORALITY. MOREOVER ALL OF THIS LEGISLATION IS SUBJECTIVE AND LACKS NO CONCRETE BARRIERS FOR THE ABC AGENT TO BE GUIDED BY. WE CANNOT AFFORD THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION TO PRESSURE AN ALREADY FRAGILE INDUSTRY THAT BRINGS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN TAX REVENUE INTO THE STATE COFFERS. ARENT WE ALREADY AT A BUDGET SHORTFALL? THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE SPENDING MONEY PROTECTING OUR HOMES AND SCHOOLS NOT. LEGISLATING MORALITY.
According to this wording of this proposal what is ok in the main fashion world and is allowed in McDonals,DairyQueen, etc is not allowed in my business. I have a business in the ocean front resort and I would have to turn people away for comming off the beach wearing a bikini. That is just does not make any sense. I also understand that many officals say that the new proposal is not intended to be inforced in this manner. But we all know how quickly things can change and how fast cities and localities can use ANY vague legislation in a way it was not "intended".
To enhance the quality of life for Virginia's citizens by balancing service, revenue and control in the distribution, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
To control the distribution of alcoholic beverages; operate efficient, conveniently located retail outlets; enforce the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to alcoholic beverages and youth access to tobacco products; and provide excellent customer service, a reliable source of revenue, and effective public safety.
taken from http://www.abc.state.va.us/admin/aboutabc.html
So, where does it say that ABC has the ability to change what people do or people watch in a club, outside the purchasing of alcohol or tobacco? ABC enforces laws regarding alcohol and tobacco. Nude women are not part of ABC's scope. The ABC board needs to stop trying to expand it's boundaries. You are not the police department. You are not elected officials. You're a board designed for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Women being able to dance topless or not, or completely nude or not, is not a call that the ABC board should have any impact on at all.
You're also creating a fictional line between what some one views as art, and forcing that view on others. I consider topless dancing, and dancing in general a form of art. I suggest that all the topless bars currently switch to an all theatrical approach. Just do plays nude, since clearly theatrical performances regulated by some imaginary guidelines are ok, but dancing is not.
Topless dancing may be lewd to some people. Those people shouldn't go to the bars that are topless. People have the right to go though, and enjoy the show. What you're attempting is censorship, and it's unconstitutional.
These regulations seem to be rediculous and unnecessary. Please think again about what you are doing when writing regulations that are imposed on the voting public.
I think that this proposal infringes on our freedom of expression, and should not be passed or adopted.
I believe that this proposal is unjust, unfair and highly irrational. It is a violation of civic rights to propose a dress code for individuals entering an establishment with an ABC liscense. It is unfair to the establishment and it's patrons to enforce regulations on wardrobe and public displays of affection simply because the establishment serves alcohol/liquor.
As an entertainer, I have seen my fair share of inappropriate behavior in bars, etc. These actions should be confined to the individual. The establishment should NOT be held accountable for the actions/wardrobe of its patrons, and in the same vein, the ABC board should NOT have the right to enforce any individual regualtions against said patrons. It's a violation of personal rights to have to adhere to any kind of regulation not set by the establishment itself.
I may not attend bikini contests, or grope people in public, but as consenting, legal adults, it is our right to act in a manner of our choosing without being restricted by guidelines and regulations other than our basic state and federal laws. The emphasis on the previous statement falls on CONSENTING and LEGAL. We are adults. We know the law. Indecent exposure, lewd behavior, all of that. We do NOT need a further regulation simply because an establishment holds an ABC liscense. It's simply irrational and a barter for more control over a society that should be able to act on its own, accordingly.
Why is clothing even an ABC issue? Shouldn't they stick to regulating beer/wine/liquor? It looks as though they're forming a morality police task force set out to take away more of our personal freedoms! It's time Virginia sheds all of these prohibition-era laws and embrace the modern age.
As a person who enjoys letting what little hair I have left down after a hard days work, I really do feel that I do not need someone injecting their moral standards into my off time. Now Im not talking about actions which are clearly criminal, but if a couple wants to "grind" to their favoriate song or some bartender wants to show a little cleavage to make some more in tips, I think thats fine. If people find that offensive, then they dont need to go to those establishments. Let the bar owners decided what kind of reputation their bars have. Thank you.
Alfredo Torres
Putting regulations on what someone can wear and how they can act is not the responsibility of the ABC. VA law states what is and what is not acceptable in public. The ABC should refocus their attention to finding better ways of keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and punishing those establishments that allow it to happen. This proposal is stepping outside of the intended purpose of the ABC and should be denied.
These new regulations look a lot like the laws that were just ruled to be to vague. Are you really trying to tell me that you ladies and gentlemen are so bored that you want to try and pass old laws as regulations. Please try and use your time more constructively. There are problems with the economy, education and crime. Please solve these problems and quit trying to tell me how to live my life. I am a grown man and these are grown ladies. So stay out of our lives unless you really want to do some good. Not trying to make all of us misserable.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please rethink what regulations are passed. I am not trying to tell you what to do. Please don't tell me. These regulations are antiquated and need to be modernized.
I completely object to this proposed law. This is a clear violation to our freedom of expression. Are u telling me that you can wear certain clothing in public streets, walkways, and beaches but u can't get a bite to eat, or drink in the same clothing? This is an OBVIOUS ploy to strong hold business owners and customers and to issue summons at will for something so petty and common. Of all the needs of our city and state right now and this is a prime concern? Its kind of embarrasing. Last I checked there were many different establishments for various types of people, if u dont like the environment(OR DRESS CODE) then don't patronize the establishment......
WHEN I WAS A YOUNG BOY, MY FATHER TOLD ME THAT COMMUNISM AND SIMILAR TYRANNY WOULD OVERTAKE THE FREEDOMS OF OUR COUNTRY ONE BY ONE.
I ADMIRE THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE YOUR VERSION OF BELIEFS, A.B.C., AND IT'S FANTASTIC THAT YOU ARE ALLOWED TO VOCALIZE THEM IN THIS COUNTRY OF OURS, WHILE YOU AND I STILL HAVE A FEW FREEDOMS, BUT FOR YOU TO IMPOSE YOUR BELIEFS ON ME AND THE MILLIONS OF OTHER FOLKS LIKE ME BY WAY OF BIAS LAWMAKING, THAT WAS MOT PLACED IN SYSTEM BY FAIR VOTING OF THE COMMUNITY IS A DIRECT EXAMPLE OF FREEDOM FOR SOME, BUT NOT FOR ALL..
I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN PROTECTING THE EYES AND EARS OF MINOR CHILDREN(THOSE UNDER 21 IN THIS CASE) FROM ANY TYPE OF BEHAVIOR THAT MAY STEER THEM IN A DIRECTION FROM THE PATH THEY THEMSELVES CHOOSE TO TAKE(AND TRUST ME, THEY WILL CHOOSE THEIR PATHS REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU OR I SAY TO THEM), BUT I AM A GROWN MAN, AND IF I AM NOT DOING SOMETHGING TO HURT OTHERS, THEN PLEASE SAVE YOUR "GUIDANCE " FOR THE CHILDREN.
ON A POSITIVE NOTE FOR ALL YOU THOSE WHO YOU'VE JUST UNFAIRLY INFORMED THAT YOU WILL BE A FURTHER HARRASSMENT TO, THE PARTY IS AT MY HOUSE AND A.B.C. IS NOT INVITED OR FOR THAT MATTER, NOR APPLICABLE.
IT'S ABOUIT THE BIG BUC WITH YOU FOLKS. LET'S GET REAL. JUST LIKE THE POLICE THAT SIT IN THEIR CARS BY BARS GIVING OUT DUI'S WHILE SOMEONE RIGHT DOWN THE STREET GETS AWAY WITH YET ANOTHER UNSOLVED MURDER.
.............AND THESE ARE MY FREEDOMS OF SPEECH, AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY THEM AS MUCH AS I. GOD BLESS. .......AND WHEN WE ALL MEET THE LORD, I GUESS WE WILL FIND OUT SOME REAL TRUTHS.........I DO NOT BELIEVE HE(OR SHE) CREATED BEAUTIFUL WOMEN TO PLACE BORKAS OR VEILS ON, NOR WERE WE GIVEN FAIRMONES AND TESTOSTERONE TO BATTLE WITH THE PRETENTION THAT WE ARE BAD FOR THESE GOD GIVEN NATURALITIES. IT IS UP TO US, HOWEVER, AS ADULTS(OVER THE AGE OF 21 IN THIS CASE), TO HARNESS RESPONSABLY.....AND HOW WE CHOOSE....AND WITH THAT, WE JUST DON'T NEED YOUR HELP, GUIDANCE, OR LAWS.
KEEP ROCKIN'...IT FEELS GOOD, AND IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER. BYE NOW
OK so the common wealth of virginia.....it seems like it does not want to be even related with the word state. Lets take a look at the state opposite the united states, California has some of the broadess laws in the country. They dont act on their :im better then everyone attitude" they allow skatin and activites at their beaches, string bikinis and a majority of the beach is/can be topless. Whats so wrong about wanteing to look nice when you go out and want to dance with ur significant other. This law is tryin to dictate ones right to wear whatever they want in public or public places that serve alcohol. I jsut dont get why the CommonWealth is stuck on returning us to the 30's. Get with the damn program and get off pat robinsons butt hole.
It seems to this concerned citizen that regulating dress-code is simply a means for the government to infringe upon our rights as Americans.
HOW DARE THEY!!!
No wonder people call it, the "communist commonwealth"....
I can understand if people are questioning choices that young people make concerning fashions, however, this is no reason for VA, let alone ABC to interfere.
Seems to me, if an establishment feels that this stricter dress code policy should be enforced, than they, as PRIVATE BUSINESS OWNERS, can enforce it themselves!!! Why should ABC regulate clothing? I thought they do enough regulating on Alcohol!
As a patron, club-goer, short-short wearing, insuffient-bikini-style-top wearing, alocolic beverage drinker---> I am appauled!
I have faith in the system, and that those powers that be will NOT ALLOW this rediculiousness to continue....
Can someone please explain to me why ABC feels they should regulate clothing policies of PRIVATE busnisess? Also, could someone explain to me what clothing style has to do with alcoholic beverages? Furthermore, I would like to see if someone could give me a reasonable explaination as to why anyone would put this regulation through, knowing full well that it infringes upon American rights?
Seems to me, if you don't like it, go to an establishment that enforces a stronger dresscode policy. They do exisit....GO THERE! Leave those establishments who don't want to enforce those regulations to decide upon their own discretion!!!!!!
This new proposal is ridiculous! I have been a local here at the beach for 8 years and these laws can ruin your entire summer! We are at the beach! How can you not be able to enter a bar or restaurant and not be able to wear board shorts or a bikini. The beach is right across the street from the strip where there are tons of people in bathing suits. Thats what summer and vacation at the beach is all about. I mean the state wants tourists to come to the oceanfront right? Don't they also want people from this area to come to the oceanfront?
#4 portion of this proposal is the worst of all! What if someone is out with their wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or husband or whatever and is "touching them indecently?" I have held on to my girlfriends butt when we hug or kiss; so is that illegal?
This new proposal is such a bad idea I can't believe this is even real!
IT SOUNDS LIKE GOOD OL' PAT R. IS BEHIND THIS TYPE OF THINKING.. NO WONDER I NO LONGER GO TO CHURCH.
I find it absurd that in the city of Chesapeake where criminal gangs such as the Crips,Bloods, and MS13 run rampant., illeagal aliens are released from jail, shootings occur daily, our government bodies waste thier time with issues such as this. The women dancing toppless in clubs are not a serious problem. It is time that our elected leaders concern themselves with legitmate public safety threats.
Gentlepersons of the Board,
Please do not take away my freedom to go out and have fun. Nobody is getting hurt in the persuit of good clean adult fun. Remember, we are adults and are supposed to have the freedom to live life, without the over bearing government involving themselves.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Voter
I object to the proposed law. I have run bars and nightclubs in other states and there is nothing wrong within the entertainment industry showing some skin. The state is still making money. Nobody is being harmed. And the cliental walking into any establishment of such is surely well aware of what they are getting into. This is the entertainment and leisure industry. Not bible study. The term sex sells does not just conform to Television, Magazines and dreams. This is real life and we are in the new millenium. Not the 50's. I fully object to your new proposed law as it is purely ridiculous.
As a musician in one of the area's longest running local bands, ive seen my share of what i even would concider tasteless or crude but situations like that are properly handled by bar staff and security. I object to this because you're taking away freedoms that we have had for many years just to compensate for the senitivitys of a few who dont frequent the establishments in which our band plays or most NORMAL people hangout, the establishments whom pay us alot of money to be there. You dont like seeing a husband touch his wife in an affectionate way you'd find innappropriate, you're offended by a woman in a reveiling shirt or skirt....dont come in....go somewhere else and the fact a woman cannot go into a 711 right off the beach to get her or maybe her kids a slurpee on a hot summer day is absolutely ludacris and completely insensitive in it's own right. In conclusion, this goes through, your tourist trade will decline because who wants to rome a beach community like Virginia Beach (which is Nationally famous now thanks to artists such as The Neptunes, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot, etc. whom have alot of the things you deem offensive in their videos) and not be able to go into a beach bar, club, outdoor event, 711, and so on without having to be sure they put on a t-shirt first. This is totally unnecessary and youre gonna cause not only yourselves but alot of business's to lose out on alot of money....kinda gives me yet another reason to wanna move. Do the right thing...drop this law.
I object to this Regulatory action. ABC law has no place in deciding these things. Virginia is more worried about truck nuts and bare nipples than fixing our roads or schools. Topless clubs could be generating tax dollars that could be used for something useful.
This is just another example of a regulatory board trying to enforce an outdated moral on its citizens, to exert their power in a way to justify an agenda. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN
Seriously? Are we living in the 60s again? Anyone who could be remotely offended by such things is perfectly able to choose not to patronize those establishments. Conversely, those people who do will already know what to expect and in the vast majority of cases look forward to it.
I fail to understand the justification to ruin the enjoyment of 99% of patrons just to avoid offending the 'sensibilities' of a rare over-sensitive few, who have the free will to not put themselves in such a position as to be offended in the first place.
I have to say that I totally agree with the wine regulations and the first part of the bill. However topless dancing is really none of anyones concern except for the people that go in the establishments we're they subject themselves to "illicit" images. I for one believe that having a topless bar is good for society. It keeps people from pressuring unwilling people to expose themselves. Give a final hurah for bachlor parties and keeps it all in a secured and managed area. Besides who are we to deside what is proper and what is not! Also a key point here why your going to take away a civil freedom that hurts no one but the people who intentionally decide to go to these establishments even though they know they don't like them. My point here is I personally don't go to "strip clubs" however I don't feel its my place or right to deny these establishments from anyone who does want to attend.
This bill is a slippery slope with a very vague definition. It leads to a lot of interpretation, and will likely lead to an excessive amount of appeals--clogging up our local judicial system.
This is taking things too far, these kinds of descions shouldn't be made by the ABC but instead by each establishment. Each establishment has its own type of enviroment so while theres regulations may work for som eplaces many it would be very bad.
My objection to this proposal is these "new" regulations are that you are trying to tell me how to walk, talk, act and dress. I thought that these were protected freedoms. It is like telling everybody on your board that everyone has to wear tuxedo because you are representing the state. Anybody not conforming to this would lose there job. Oh and don't forget the fine you have to pay for not dressing appropiatly. I hope you realize that we don't mind you controlling the flow of alcohol. Just stick to Alcohol Beverage Control and quit trying to be the morality police.
I have read your recent proposal involving bar regulations. I strongly disagree with your proposal. I have frequented many of the local clubs including JB's, and I have never noticed that the girls dancing topless has caused behavior any worse than I have seen in a normal bar. Customers are made to know in no uncertain terms that the girls are to be treated with respect, and anyone who thinks otherwise are not tolerated. The girls who dance at these clubs put on a very tasteful show, and there is never any contact between them and the customer. They are just doing their jobs, and this proposal could really hurt their careers and their income. Clubs in many areas of the country have topless stage shows and as long the shows are kept within reason and are tasteful, there is no reason to pass regulations like this one which over-regulate and hurt or kill business' for no reason. I seriously hope that you will carefully consider this proposal and come to the conclusion that I have, that it should be rejected.
Sincerely,
Claude K. Dearchs.
In regard to the proposal of 3vac50-140; I firmly do not believe that dancers should be forced to wear or remove any article of clothing that makes them comfortable, like not being able to wear bikini tops in stores etc. {by the way, I see this everyday more times than I can count anyway, and no one really minds, and no police are ever called}. The fact that a law is even being proposed to stop somthing that most female dancers do not mind doing {strippers tend to bring in more money in general when they actually strip} is not only ludacris, but also hindering , considering the fact, that believe it, or not these women actually do have to make a living off of what they do, and this is theyre "bread and butter" so to speak, I'd also like to point out the fact that, these women are not going into a public place or intruding into someones home and forcing anything upon people that they do not want, they are not tricking anyone into anything, everything is advertised and upfront at most toppless bars, none of the women working at these establishments are forced to do what they do, nor are they unaware of what the job they are applying for is going to require them to do when they go in and apply for the job,{I've never met a woman dancing toppless who did'nt realize what she was doing, or who she was doing it for} they're not disturbing the peace, and nothing indecent happens in these bars{BOUNCERS USUALLY THROW PEOPLE OUT FOR ANY UNCALLED FOR OR UNWANTED ATTENTION TOWARDS DANCERS AND THEY DO IT QUITE QUICKLY AND THOURGHOUGHLY} other than dancing. The only reason I can even come up with that someone would want to pass this law is to help some political figures reputation, so that another politic can look at this states laws, and say "Heyyyyyyyy they dont allow this kind of dirt in Va." because of such and suchs law they got passed {by the way,most of the politics in the world are not doing what they are saying anyway and are dirtier than all hell if you look into any of their pasts} which does'nt help me to relax or feel better at the end of my day or work week (theres nothing like a dancing woman and a few drinks to do this at the end of the week or day). For my last comment against this law I'd like to say that personally I've not met a man in virginia who was against strippers getting toppless in a bar, or a stripper who minded entertaining these men or women as long as they were paying customers, and when it comes down to it these are the people who will be doing, and be around these so called indecent acts, and these are the people I believe these laws should really be up to.ya
Yet again the "Commonwelth" is concerning itself w/ the truely important issues of the state. Not the growing unemployment rate, or the failing econemy. Entertainment in bars and taverns should not be the concern of law makers.
Who is the ABC board to decide what art is? This proposal is insulting to the the rights we have as Americans. The freedom of expression is a right. The Los Angeles based band The Offspring said, "If it offends you, just don't listen to it." This should go for ALL media. If you don't want your kids to see it, don't allow them, if you don't want to see it, go somewhere else. You don't go see a movie unless you want to see that movie, why go into a go-go bar if you do not want to see a woman dancing.
i have been working as a bartender/dancer in "go-go" bars for 10yrs and NEVER once i have met anyone who was "offended' by what the staff were wearing..believe me noone is going to pay a cover charge to enter a place they do not want to be in..also everyone who walks into these establishments are adults because that's the law,,noone is complaining about the ABC board regulating the sale of alcohol..but why do they feel its their right to regulate what people can wear and what is offensive? what happens in the summer when one of the tourists want to run into 7-11 but had to change just to run in real quick? how much sense does that make?
It is my personal belief that establishments (gentleman's clubs, etc) should be monitored closely to ensure that they are practicing legal business. I do NOT believe that the ABC has any right nor should they be given the right, nor jurisdiction, to dictate to me.... or any other adult person of legal age what to wear and how to act.
Particularly not for an establishment in which my hard earned dollar is paying for. If the club, bar, or retail place in question would like to enforce rules about proper conduct and dress, than those rules should be discussed, voted on, and enforced by those companies and the public made aware of such changes. Plenty of clubs enforce strict dress codes and do a superb job of maintaining the peace should any problems arise.
In addition, where my significant other chooses to touch me (as long as it is not offending others) is of no concern to the ABC and frankly, to the Commonwealth. As a tax payer and registered voter, I object these "new" laws which seek only to encroach and take away mine (and many others) freedoms.
The proposed restrictions on actions and attire of personnel in ABC licensed establishments goes extremely overboard. The regulation defining the amount of breast and buttocks exposure allowable would require a licensed establishment to deny access to any woman wearing a bikini top or bottom, tank top, or many other types of summer beach apparel. Any local or tourist treated in such a manner would not consider Virginia such an agreeable place to live or vacation. If enacted, this proposal can do nothing but hurt local businesses and thus the local economy. At a time when the worldwide economy is experiencing severe difficulties, our state and local offices should be doing all they can to promote, not restrict, local business opportunities. The Virginia State Legislature had the good judgement to reject a similar proposal. I hope that the same can be said for the ABC. As an active registered voter, I want officials in office that will promote the growth of local economy.
Please consider the adverse impact upon local businesses and tourism this proposal would no doubt create. After carefully reviewing all of the issues involved, I am sure the ABC will see that rejecting this proposal is highly beneficial to everyone.
Don't you think it is time to come out of the dark ages. If a woman wants to make money this way without harm to anyone else, without prostitution and without some old lame asses that don't need to go in there anyways. Then why not let them. It is entertainment and a job that many people enjoy. I don't understand what the problem is. Pull the granny panies off, pull the stick out, and try on a thong. If you can't do that then stay home and pray for the others that will. Because this is their choice, it's 2008 and get over it.