Anti-Strip Club Law Violated Constitution, Judge Says

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Just days before it was slated to go into effect, a Missouri law that would have effectively shut down strip clubs in the state has been struck down on the grounds that it violates the Missouri Constitution, a judge ruled Friday.

Had the law been enacted, patrons of strip clubs – or any other adult-themed business in the state – would have to have been at least 21 years of age. The law also aimed to bar full nudity in the clubs, as well as “erotic” dancing, and required a 10-foot buffer between patrons and performers.

Interestingly, the law was not struck down based on its content, but on how it was enacted.

“The way this law was put through is what we were primarily fighting,” attorney Thomas Rynard, an attorney representing the adult industry, told XBiz. “This wasn’t so much an issue of free speech as it was of classic logrolling.”

Rynard, one of several attorneys representing the Missouri Association of Club Executives (MACE), Scope Pictures and adult video retailers in the case, had argued that the law was inappropriately added to another bill aimed at strengthening Missouri’s drunk driving laws. This, he argued, violated the Missouri Constitution, which requires legislation to deal with only one subject at a time.

Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan agreed, saying legislation limits existed in Missouri to prevent “multiple-issue hodgepodge.”

Callahan also ruled the age requirement in the bill was unconstitutional, writing in his opinion that states could not regulate adult entertainment or free speech to persons 21 or older.

“Nude dancing is a constitutionally protected activity,” he wrote.

Republican Sen. Matt Bartle, who added the strip club law to the books the day before the General Assembly closed last session, would not comment on the ruling. However, Bartle and the adult entertainment industry in Missouri aren’t strangers. Last year Bartle passed a bill that severely restricted the ability of adult business to advertise on the highway, a law that also was challenged in court but successfully passed into law.

Bartle has continued to put pressure on the industry this year as well, with a proposed bill requiring a $5 admission fee and a 20 percent gross receipts tax on porn shops and strip clubs. He also wants all adult business to close by 10 p.m.

When discussing the bill earlier this year, Bartle told the Columbia Daily Tribune that he was the kind of politician who “comes in every day hunting big game.”

“Looks like this one got away,” an employee at Crazy Horse Gentlemen’s Club in Springfield, Mo., told XBiz upon hearing Bartle’s description of himself.

The employee, who wished to remain anonymous until he’s “sure Bartle’s bill has been killed,” said The Crazy Horse would have been severely hurt had the law passed.

“This bill would kill clubs in Missouri,” he said.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Time Drops New Installment of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Coco Bae Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Coco Bae stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Eve Sweet Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet stars with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Brazzers Drops Season Finale of 'MILF Quest'

Brazzers has released the final episode of the first season of "MILF Quest," hosted by Cherie DeVille.

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Assured MoFi ID' Testing Program

ProDx Health has introduced its new Assured MoFi ID Program for testing.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Eye of Love Expands 'Bloom' Collection

Eye of Love has introduced two new perfume oils from its Bloom collection.

Nobü Adds to 'Essentials' Collection

Nobü is expanding its Essentials collection with three new pleasure products.

Show More