Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed into law a “Strippers’ Bill of Rights” on Monday, which was celebrated by advocates for its comprehensive worker protections, restrictions on fees imposed by club owners on dancers, and strong incentives for club owners to adhere to regulations.

“Strippers are workers, and they should be given the same rights and protections as any other labor force,” state Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D), the bill’s sponsor, said in a press release. “If they are employed at a legal establishment in Washington, they deserve the safeguards that every worker is entitled to, including protection from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.”

SB 6105 was introduced to address the extensive regulatory gaps affecting dancers working in the 11 adult entertainment clubs across the state. The bill also provides a roadmap for clubs in the state to obtain liquor licenses, as there were concerns that implementing these protections without generating additional revenue from alcohol sales might force some clubs to shut down. Washington was the only state in the country that did not allow alcohol sales at strip clubs.

“Without liquor and without these safety protections, all of the burden was on the workforce, on the dancers,” Saldaña said. “It wasn’t viable and it wasn’t sustainable.”

The bill, SB 6105, requires staff training at establishments to prevent sexual harassment, detect and report human trafficking, defuse conflicts, and administer first aid. It also requires the presence of security personnel on premises, keypad locks on dressing rooms, and emergency buttons in areas where entertainers may be isolated with customers.

“It is crucial that we confront the stigma surrounding adult entertainment and........

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