Texas Strip Club Tax, Declared Unconstitutional, Still Being Collected During Appeal

AUSTIN, Texas — State District Judge Stephen Yelenosky has told attorneys for Texas strip clubs that the state can continue to collect a controversial strip club fee — which was struck down as unconstitutional three weeks ago — while the state appeals the ruling.

Texas Entertainment Association attorney Stewart Whitehead said the state is insisting on collecting fees that it knows are unconstitutional. The Texas Entertainment Association membership includes more than half the topless clubs in Texas.

"It's a grave injustice that the attorney general and the comptroller would use procedural court technicalities to continue to trample on the rights of these business owners," Whitehead said.

The $5 cover fee on strip club patrons was approved by the Texas legislature last year, which earmarked the expected $40 million in annual revenues for sexual assault services and health insurance to the poor.

Club owners sued, and on March 28, state district Judge Scott Jenkins found that the fee was an illegal tax on "expression that, while politically unpopular, is nevertheless protected by the First Amendment." Declaring the law invalid, Judge Jenkins issued an order that included an injunction against collecting the fee.

On April 7, the attorney general's office filed an appeal, which automatically suspended Judge Jenkins' judgment and the injunction. The state comptroller sent out a letter to strip clubs saying that the fee is active, and that the first reports and payments are due Monday. If they aren't sent in, a 5 percent penalty takes effect.

On Thursday, Judge Yelenosky declined to issue an order that would keep the injunction in place during the appeal, effectively continuing collection of the tax.

Texas Entertainment Association attorney Whitehead said that the businesses will continue to fight, and will appeal Thursday's ruling.

Related:  

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

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Like a Kitten to Launch 'Adventure Collection'

Pleasure brand Like a Kitten has announced that it will launch its new Adventure Collection on July 15.

Full Circle Debuts New Bullet Vibes

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced a new range of bullet vibrators.

Magic Silk Debuts 'Butterfly Fantasies' Collection

Magic Silk has introduced its new Butterfly Fantasies line of intimate wear.

Orion Debuts 'Vipepad' Ride-On Vibrator

Orion Wholesale has introduced the latest edition of its Vibepad ride-on vibrator.

Xgen's Dr. Mindy DeSeta Spotlighted on CBS News

CBS News has spotlighted Xgen Products resident sex therapist Dr. Mindy DeSeta on its Miami and West Palm Beach affiliate stations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Electric Novelties Expands 'Gläs' Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced a variety of new items from its Gläs collection.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Show More