California Lawmakers Mulling $10 Strip Club 'Pole Tax'

SACRAMENTO — Another strip club tax is being considered by California's Legislature.

AB 2441, which was just amended in the Assembly yesterday, would place a $10 fee on visitors of establishments that offer alcohol and topless or nude performances.

Eighty businesses would qualify for the tax, according to California's Board of Equalization.

It's the fourth attempt to tax sexually explicit businesses in the past four years in California. All of those bills, which would have taxed patrons up to 20 percent on sales or services at sexually explicit businesses including strip clubs, were shot down.

AB 2441, however, would be the first legislative action to mandate a fixed-fee "pole tax" in the Golden State.

The bill, which was introduced in February, would require a two-thirds vote of both the Assembly and Senate because the statute would result in higher taxes for consumers.

Beneficiaries of the proposed mandatory $10-a-head tax would include programs that treat and prevent sexual assaults.

James Joyce, a spokesman for state Assemblyman Das Williams of Oxnard, who sponsored the bill, told XBIZ that there is a dire need to remedy inadequate services for sexual assault victims and that strip clubs are a good possible resource for funding because there's already a model to tax adult entertainment establishments.

Pole taxes are now mandatory in Texas and Utah, with legislation being mulled for similar tariffs for adult entertainment customers in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

"Most who go to these establishments know very well they'll have to bring an extra few bucks," Joyce said. "So, for those who go, $10 is not so much to sacrifice. Let's face it, adult entertainment does very well even during a recession."

Joyce said that the bill is on track in the Assembly and could be approved by both houses as early as September.

If approved, the bill could become operative within three months of the governor signing it into law.

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

Kheper Releases New 'Think Like a Slut' Party Game

Kheper Games has released the new "Think Like a Slut" party game.

Pjur, Magasin du Nord Partner for 'Flex Area' Campaign

Pjur and retail brand Magasin du Nord have partnered for the wellness brand’s Flex Area campaign.

Kasey Kei Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Kasey Kei stars with Olivia Jay in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "You’re Worth The Wait."

Adult Time Debuts Bree Mills Drama 'Hard Stop'

Adult Time has released the first installment of the Bree Mills-helmed drama "Hard Stop."

Honey Play Box, Creative Conceptions Ink European Distro Deal

Honey Play Box has signed a deal with Creative Conceptions for distribution in the U.K. and Europe.

Ricky's Room Drops 3rd Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the third installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Gemini’s Blowbang."

Motorbunny Debuts 'Fluffer Rock Hard Power' Cock Ring Vibe

Motorbunny has introduced its Fluffer Rock Hard Power vibrating cock ring.

Nina Heels Leads Dorcel's 'Girls At Work 6'

Nina Heels headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Girls At Work — Stories #6.”

Lexi Lore Stars in Latest Installment of 'Under the Bed'

Lexi Lore stars with Parker Ambrose and Axel Haze in the latest installment of Pure Taboo series “Under the Bed,” titled “Game of Spirits.”

EQOM Appoints Anneke Kamphuis Interim CEO

EQOM Group, the company behind ONE-DC and EasyToys, has appointed Anneke Kamphuis as its interim CEO.

Show More