City to Dancers: You Can Leave Your Tag On

SAN ANTONIO — Strippers in this city will soon have to put on something they can’t take off -- a business license.

The City Council on Friday approved a measure requiring exotic dancers to apply for permits and wear them while performing.

Law enforcement authorities said the rule, which was unanimously approved by the 11-member council and goes into effect in 10 days, will allow them to quickly identify dancers who are breaking nudity ordinances. (Among other things, full nudity and contact with customers are not allowed in San Antonio strip clubs.)

“We’re trying to reduce criminal activity inside the establishments on the part of the entertainers -- i.e., prostitution,” said Lt. Mike Gorhum, who heads the vice squad.

The permit -- expected to be half the size of a credit card -- would include the dancer’s stage name and a photo. Police would be able to check that information against club records to determine her real name and other personal data.

“I really don’t know where we’re supposed to place it,” complained a dancer who called herself Tempest. “It’s definitely going to get in the way of our performing, and it might just look a little bit tacky.”