From Reuters News Report:
"LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Topless dancers in California bars can now fondle themselves in the line of duty -- and that's official.
A state appeals board has decided that a rule prohibiting topless dancers from touching, caressing and fondling their own bodies is an infringement of the U.S. constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The decision, made public this week, came from California's Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board in a case brought by the Angels Sports Bar in Corona, southern California.
The bar's license to sell alcohol had been suspended last year because its dancers were reported to have violated conduct deemed under detailed alcohol beverage control rules to be "contrary to public welfare and morals."
The appeals board, however, said the dancer's actions were part of the "expressive nature of the dance." It means that topless dancers in any California bar can now fondle and caress themselves without fear of having the bar's alcohol license revoked.
"I am so excited. It is wonderful news," Angels Sports bar owner Renee Vicary said on Wednesday. Physical contact between dancers and patrons is still prohibited along with simulated sexual acts or dancing that is lewd or obscene.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling or let it stand. "We are reviewing our options," said spokesman Carl DeWing."
"LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Topless dancers in California bars can now fondle themselves in the line of duty -- and that's official.
A state appeals board has decided that a rule prohibiting topless dancers from touching, caressing and fondling their own bodies is an infringement of the U.S. constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The decision, made public this week, came from California's Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board in a case brought by the Angels Sports Bar in Corona, southern California.
The bar's license to sell alcohol had been suspended last year because its dancers were reported to have violated conduct deemed under detailed alcohol beverage control rules to be "contrary to public welfare and morals."
The appeals board, however, said the dancer's actions were part of the "expressive nature of the dance." It means that topless dancers in any California bar can now fondle and caress themselves without fear of having the bar's alcohol license revoked.
"I am so excited. It is wonderful news," Angels Sports bar owner Renee Vicary said on Wednesday. Physical contact between dancers and patrons is still prohibited along with simulated sexual acts or dancing that is lewd or obscene.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling or let it stand. "We are reviewing our options," said spokesman Carl DeWing."