Submitted by s lauren, May 9, 2007 10:35

In this era of background checks for almost every job imaginable, an exotic dancing permit on record could prejudice a potential employer and cost a woman (or man) a job that person is qualified for. Requiring licenses for a job is generally to protect the public, when special skills are required for safety — everything from taxi and bus drivers, to manicurists, to a medical technician. Exotic dancing doesn't require any of those skills; it just requires honesty from the employer, employee and customer, much like a bar. Police could step up their sting efforts if they're concerned about women being underage or trafficked; the government doesn't need to require that these dancers put this form of employment on their permanent record.

Many men and woman dance to pay for college, raise a family or just survive in this city. But many potential employers who see exotic dancing on record will just assume it was to support a drug habit. The only purpose this law will serve will be to jeopardize the future of exotic dancers. They'll want to change their life around, but end up being seen always as strippers.

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