Texas Strip Clubs Sue Over State-Imposed Cover Charge

AUSTIN — Texas gentleman’s club owners are attempting to block a new state-imposed $5 cover charge that is slated to go into effect Jan. 1, reportedly raising an estimated $40 million annually.

The cover charge is intended by officials to offset rising health care expenses for uninsured residents, regardless of their citizenship status, and to finance sexual assault prevention programs.

Club owners have filed a suit claiming that the surcharge violates their constitutionally protected free speech rights, creates the impression that their patrons are prone to rape and thus are required to fund programs that address the crime and that this is nothing more than a discriminatory tax meant to hurt their businesses.

The bill's backers claim that they are merely trying to raise money for under-funded programs and not trying to imply that consumers of adult entertainment commit sex crimes, and that they are not trying to hurt legitimate business operations.

"Clearly we're disappointed by the lawsuit; we were really hoping this industry would see this as an opportunity to do something positive for the communities they're in," said Annette Burrhus-Clay, executive director of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. "We're going to fight it because we believe in the merits of our position."

The club owners' suit, filed against Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Comptroller Susan Combs, states in part: “Exotic nude dancing is protected speech under the 1st Amendment," and claims that the surcharge "singles out income derived from protected speech for a burden the state places on no other income."

Gov. Rick Perry backed similar legislation in 2004, when a surcharge on clubs was sought to raise money for the state’s school system but was defeated in session.

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

Pjur Debuts 'Toy Lube and Cleaner Collection

Pjur has introduced its new Toy personal lubricant and cleaner collection.

The Male Rose Names Emma Rose Brand Ambassador

Pleasure brand Male Rose has named multi-XMAs winner Emma Rose as its newest brand ambassador.

Kiiroo Debuts 'PowerShot' Stroker

Kiiroo has introduced its PowerShot dual-motor, app-controllable stroker.

Holiday Products, Sweetums Sign Distro Deal

Holiday Products has signed a distribution deal with wellness brand Sweetums.

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Orion Expands Cottelli 'Accessoires,' 'Party' Lines

Orion Wholesale has introduced seven new pieces from its Cottelli Accessoires line and one from its Party collection.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Tackle Online Censorship in Virtual Seminar

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Show More