A new state strip club law that takes effect at the end of the month is going to be challenged in court. 

Nineteen plaintiffs have filed suit in Callaway saying the new law is unconstitutional based on the first and fourteenth amendments.  The plaintiffs also say the new law is overly broad, it’s vague, it does not further government interest, and it was adopted without relevant empirical information.  The new law, credited to Senator Matt Bartle of Lee’s Summit, added several new mandates for the sexually oriented business, including: 

• PROHIBITING PEOPLE from establishing a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a school, church, library, daycare, park, or residence, existing businesses within the 1,000 ft. zones would be grandfathered and allowed to stay open)
it also Prohibits PEOPLE convicted of certain crimes (sex offenses) from establishing an adult business
it bans nudity
it requires seminude performers to be on a fixed stage at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 6 feet from the nearest patron
it bans seminude performers from knowingly touching patrons or patrons’ clothing

It bans the use sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises of an adult business
and it restricts the hours of operations for adult businesses, saying the businesses may not be open between midnight and 6 a.m.

The Missouri Association of Club Executives is identified as one of the plaintiffs in the case.  The association operates the Lion’s Den in Waynesville.