TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Attorneys for a gentlemen’s club near Topeka told The Kansas Supreme Court that dancers at the club are not club employees subject to state labor laws.
The issue before the court Wednesday is whether dancers at Club Orleans are under its control or are independent entertainers.
The Department of Labor wants the club to pay a tax based on the dancers’ wages to help finance unemployment benefits.
The club contends the dancers rent its stage and control their own performances.
The club doesn’t pay the dancers, but the state considers their tips to be wages. According to court documents, the club sets a minimum tip of $1 for a stage dance, $10 for a lap dance and $20 for a private dance.
