These changes require approval on second reading by the Augusta Commission. The story has been updated. Augusta's laws are one step closer to allowing strip clubs to get more intimate but not too erotic. Augusta's commissioners recently approved on first reading slight changes to the city's ordinance regarding adult entertainment rules and regulations.
It was approved as part of their consent agenda and saw no discussion. Erotic dancers will be allowed to perform throughout the club, including one-on-one dances and not just on platforms, so long as they are in public view.
The language on touching was also changed, from not allowing dancers to touch themselves or patrons to "no patron shall fondle or caress any dancer, or use any clothing or inanimate object to do such. Adult Entertainment Reform: Looser guidelines governing strip clubs under consideration by Augusta officials. Seeing sights in Augusta has changed: Strip clubs open with no nudity in ongoing legal battle. Multiple rules surrounding dancer behavior have also been removed, such as not permitting dancers within 10 feet of patrons, only allowing tips to be given in a dancer's garter, and not allowing dancers to mingle unclothed with patrons.
These are a few of the minor changes made to the ordinance while leaving some of the biggest regulations untouched. Augusta will still not allow strip clubs to serve liquor, so any future clubs that want to offer nude dancing will have to do so without serving alcohol. Also, no adult-entertainment businesses are allowed outside areas designated heavy-industrial or light-industrial.
These restrictions are why Augusta's last two strip clubs, Discotheque Lounge and Joker's Lounge, which are located on Broad Street, were only allowed to stay open and serve alcohol if their dancers stayed clothed. At their current spot in the downtown metropolitan area, they will not be able to change that without further reform. Augusta commissioners tentatively approve looser strip club laws.
