Texas strip clubs ignoring fee
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON (AP) - About half the strip clubs in Texas aren't paying the state a $5-per-patron entrance fee required under a two-year-old law that was declared unconstitutional and is facing repeal in the Legislature, records show.
The $12.2 million collected last year since the law went into effect is far short of the $50 million expected, the Houston Chronicle reported Sunday.
The state ordered businesses to keep paying while it appeals a ruling that the law amounts to a tax that infringes on customers' civil rights. Records show about 100 clubs have ignored the fee entirely.
The Texas Comptroller's Office is hanging on to the money during the appeal. The law was meant to fund programs assisting victims of sexual assault.
"We are, of course, disappointed," said Annette Burrhus-Clay, executive director of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. "But hopefully there will be more resources set aside for the comptroller to actually monitor this in the future."
Democratic state Rep. Ellen Cohen of Houston, author of the bill passed during the 2007 legislative session, said she wasn't surprised that some clubs were ignoring the law, particularly after the court ruling against the measure.
"If they want to wait and see what's going to happen, that's their choice. They may end up having to pay it and penalties - I don't know," Cohen said. "I do respect those clubs that have stepped up and paid."
I remember when this "law" first went into effect. Back then I was still in my strip club love phase and I was perplexed as to how the fee would be paid. Would I have to pay extra? Would the club pay the tax? Little did I know that strip club owners aren't the most upstanding citizens. When in doubt just pull a Willie Nelson and let them come after you. Hey, at least we all enjoyed the ride!
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