Austin appeals court upholds strip club tax

[TexasTowelie]

The 3rd Court of Appeals on Friday upheld the $5-per-patron tax on Texas strip clubs.

The so-called “pole tax” had already survived one round of legal challenges when the Texas Supreme Court ruled in 2011 that the fee did not violate the U.S. Constitution’s protection for free expression.

The lawsuit by club owners was returned to the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin to consider three remaining challenges — all of which were denied by a three-judge panel Friday.

The Legislature approved the $5 fee in 2007 for businesses that offer live nude entertainment and sell alcohol or allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages. The first $25 million collected in a two-year budget cycle will be devoted to a sexual assault prevention program, with any extra going toward low-income health insurance.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/austin-appeals-court-upholds-strip-club-tax/nfsDK/ .

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. Good.

I also think they should be sued under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, when strip clubs are called "Gentlemen's clubs".

I think that's deceptive advertising. I don't know any gentlemen who would go into a nude club or strip club.

[TexasTowelie]

2. Agreed, but I must confess to going them about four times in my life.

It was either to meet a group of friends there or I was with another group of men (one who had a wife that worked there as a server). I never went there by myself. Everyone makes mistakes in life though.

All of those instances were more than a decade ago and I can assure you that nothing gentlemanly occurred there. I'm too broke to pay the cover charge these days and my perspective has also changed over time as I matured.

[Laochtine]

3. Churches should do the same

And the money should go to a sexual assault prevention program. If it helps one little boy or girl it would be worth it

[Manifestor_of_Light]

4. Good idea, laochtine!!

The Catholic Church has been sued for lots and lots of money and had to close down parishes. Boo hoo.