March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Lewiston prohibits nude dancing

LEWISTON — Lawmakers in Lewiston have adopted what the city attorney called a “pasties and bikini standard” to prohibit nude and nearly nude dancing.

Attorney Ronald Lebel said the regulations are the most restrictive the city can enact without facing a challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court.

The regulations, approved Tuesday, ban exotic dancing “which involves nudity or near nudity” and also set standards for permitted dancing at establishments licensed to sell liquor.

Businesses with special amusement permits have 60 days to comply with the new rules.

The City Council adopted the rules after hearing arguments by club owners, dancers and agents that banning nude dancing is unfair to patrons and employees alike.

“Lewiston has this image problem,” said Mayor James Howaniec. “How does nude dancing improve or enhance our image. Doesn’t it hurt it?”


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