Compared with the swinging ’70s–when regulations were few–Chicago’s adult entertainment industry is small, and getting smaller.
Today just a handful of strip clubs or so-called gentleman’s clubs remain due to the city’s strict zoning schemes.
So with all the regulation …
What can patrons expect these days?
Sleek clubs with professional management that won’t risk losing its license, according to adult industry law expert Joe Obenberger, who represents the Admiral Theatre club at 3940 W. Lawrence Ave.
“Chicago is an urbane city with traditional values, and the clubs that it tolerates are establishments where nothing is shady,” Obenberger says.
“Anytime it’s a fixed business, there are strong incentives to keep everything above board.”
What are the rules?
Chicago is strict about how much dancers can expose (this sentence as published has been corrected in this text). Anytime alcohol is served at a strip club, full nudity is not allowed. Dancers are expected to cover their breasts and their butt. State courts recently ruled that a pink-toned latex patch over the nipple and below is sufficient.
Both the Admiral Theatre and Scarlett’s at 750 S. Clinton St. do not serve alcohol. VIP’s, formerly the Crazy Horse at 1531 N. Kingsbury St., does serve alcohol.
Do the dancers make any money?
Dancers earn most of their money from table dances (lap dances are not permitted) at $10 to $20 each.
At the Admiral Theatre, management teaches new dancers how to approach customers, sell table dances and accept tips.
Good performers can do very well, says the staff at the Admiral Theatre, which advertises $300 to $1,000 a night for amateurs.
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Edited by Lara Weber ([email protected]) and Drew Sottardi ([email protected])