Exotic Dancer Laws In California (2026): What Actually Changed

You’ve probably heard something about stripper rights changing in California. But here’s the thing—most people don’t fully understand what the actual rules are. Honestly, this is a topic that affects thousands of dancers, and the confusion is totally understandable.

California’s approach to exotic dancer employment is actually quite different from other states. The laws here have shifted dramatically in recent years. If you work in this industry or are thinking about it, you need to know the real details. Let’s break down exactly what you’re dealing with.

What Is an Exotic Dancer?

First, let’s define what we’re talking about. An exotic dancer is someone who performs as a sexually-oriented entertainer. The performance focuses on emphasizing the dancer’s body in a way that’s central to adult entertainment venues. Think of it like this: the dancer’s performance is the main attraction at the club.

This definition matters legally. Different cities and counties in California may have slightly different rules about what counts as exotic dancing. But the core idea is the same everywhere—it’s a professional performance in an adult entertainment venue.

The Big Shift: Employee vs. Independent Contractor

Okay, pause. This part is really important. Here’s where it gets interesting.

For decades, strip clubs labeled their dancers as independent contractors. This meant dancers didn’t get paychecks from clubs. Instead, they earned tips and paid the club for stage time at the end of the night. No hourly wage. No benefits. No protections.

In 2019, California passed AB5 (Assembly Bill 5). This law changed everything about how workers can be classified. It introduced something called the “ABC test.” Here’s what the ABC test asks:

Does the worker stay free from the club’s control and direction? No—clubs control when dancers perform, what they wear, what music plays, and how long they work.

Is the dancer’s work central to the club’s business? Yes—absolutely. The club’s entire business depends on dancers performing.

Does the dancer have their own independent business? Not really—most dancers don’t run separate entertainment businesses.

Since exotic dancers fail at least one of these tests (usually more than one), they must be classified as employees. Stay with me here—this changes literally everything.

What Being Classified as an Employee Means

Most people miss this part. Employee status isn’t just about getting a paycheck. It unlocks a whole set of legal protections.

As an employee, you’re entitled to at least the California state minimum wage. As of January 1, 2026, that’s $16.90 per hour. Some cities in California set their own higher minimum wage. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Berkeley all require higher pay for their workers.

Here’s what you need to know: You have to be paid minimum wage for every hour worked, no matter how much money you make in tips. The tips are yours to keep. The club can’t take them or demand a cut. Sound complicated? It’s actually pretty straightforward.

Your Rights as an Employee Dancer

When you’re classified as an employee, California labor laws protect you. Here’s what that means in plain language.

You’re entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks. If your club makes you work through a break, they have to pay you extra for that missed time. You can’t be forced to work without breaks.

You’re protected against discrimination and sexual harassment. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act covers exotic dancers just like any other worker. If someone harasses you at work, you have legal rights. Retaliation is illegal—meaning the club can’t punish you for speaking up about mistreatment.

You can unionize. You have the right to join with other dancers and collectively bargain for better conditions. Some dancers in California are already organizing through groups like Strippers United. Unionization gives performers a stronger voice.

Minimum Wage Requirements in 2026

Not sure how much you should be earning? Let me break it down.

The absolute minimum is $16.90 per hour statewide as of January 2026. But your city might require more. Los Angeles requires $16.90 (and higher in some parts of the city). San Francisco has significantly higher local wages. West Hollywood is even higher at around $19 per hour. Check your specific city’s rules to know your floor.

Remember: tips don’t count toward minimum wage. If you work 40 hours and only make $400 in tips, your employer still owes you $676 before tips. They have to pay you the difference to reach minimum wage.

If your club isn’t paying minimum wage, you could have a wage claim against them. And honestly, this one’s worth pursuing. Damages can add up seriously.

How Tips Actually Work Now

This matters more than you might think. Here’s the real situation with tips.

All tips belong to you. This includes cash tips from customers and credit card tips. Your club can’t touch them. They can’t demand a percentage. They can’t claim a “house cut” or deduct them from your paycheck.

If someone pays with a credit card, the club has to pass on the full tip amount—including covering any credit card processing fees themselves. They can’t charge those to you.

Your club must pay you credit card tips by the next regular payday. Don’t let them drag their feet on this.

If your club violates tip laws, you have grounds for action. California takes tip theft seriously. In fact, new laws give the Labor Commissioner authority to investigate and issue citations for illegal tip withholding.

House Fees and Stage Rent

Now here’s where things get tricky. Many clubs still charge dancers for the privilege of working there.

Some clubs charge “house fees”—money you pay just to show up. Others charge “stage rent.” Basically, the club makes you pay to use their stage space. This practice has become controversial, and honestly, it’s legally questionable under employee classification rules.

Here’s the logic: If you’re an employee, should you have to pay your employer to work? Probably not. Employers don’t usually charge employees for the right to work. Yet this still happens at some clubs.

If you’re being charged house fees or stage rent, talk to an employment lawyer. These charges might violate your employee rights. You may have grounds for a wage claim.

Penalties and How the ABC Test Works

Let’s talk about what happens if clubs violate these laws. Strip club owners are on the hook for serious penalties.

If a club misclassifies you as an independent contractor when you should be an employee, they owe you damages. They have to pay back wages, penalties, and sometimes interest. A single misclassified dancer could win a claim worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Courts have consistently sided with dancers. In one study of 75 cases, dancers won in all but three. In another analysis of over 400 cases filed between 2005 and 2019, dancers settled 161 cases, and courts ruled in their favor in 22 additional cases.

Some clubs have tried to fight back by creating new contracts. You might see “Release of Claims” clauses. These try to make dancers waive their rights to sue for past wage theft. Legally, these releases are suspect. Don’t sign away your rights for a signing bonus.

Workers’ Compensation Protection

Here’s something many dancers don’t realize they’re entitled to. If you’re injured on the job, you’re covered by workers’ compensation.

This means if you take a fall, get hurt during a dance, or suffer an injury at work, the club’s insurance covers your medical bills. You might also get wage replacement while you recover. This includes payments if you become temporarily or permanently disabled.

Without employee status, you get nothing. No health coverage. No disability payments. Nothing. Employee status changes that completely.

How City Licensing Works

Different California cities have different rules about permits and licenses. Some require dancers to get individual licenses. Others don’t.

San Diego, Anaheim, and Arcadia require individual exotic dancer permits. Licenses typically cost between $20 to $150 depending on the city. Los Angeles generally doesn’t require individual dancer licenses—the club license is what matters there.

If your city requires a license, it’s your responsibility to get it. You’ll usually need to visit your local police department’s Permits and Licensing division. Many require a Live Scan fingerprinting process. This is just electronic fingerprinting without ink. It gets sent to the state for background checking.

Your license is valid for one year. You have to renew it before it expires. The city won’t send renewal reminders. It’s completely your responsibility to track the deadline.

Failing to renew on time means you can get cited. Don’t let your license lapse.

Sexual Harassment and Safety Protections

You’re not alone if you’ve experienced harassment at work. Unfortunately, it happens. But here’s the important part: you have legal protections.

California law requires that your workplace be free from sexual harassment. This applies to exotic dancers just like any other worker. Patrons who cross lines, managers who behave inappropriately, or co-workers who create a hostile environment—all of this violates the law.

If you report harassment, your employer can’t retaliate against you. Retaliation means firing you, cutting your shifts, giving bad stage times, or treating you differently because you spoke up. That’s illegal.

If you experience harassment or retaliation, document it. Write down dates, times, what happened, and who was involved. Report it to management in writing if possible. Keep copies of everything.

If your club doesn’t take it seriously, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. You might also have grounds for a lawsuit.

Recent Changes and What’s Coming

The landscape for exotic dancers in California keeps evolving. In 2025 and 2026, several new labor protections took effect.

Tip theft became explicitly subject to Labor Commissioner enforcement. The Labor Commissioner can now issue citations and fines directly. First violations carry a $100 fine per employee per pay period. Subsequent violations jump to $250 per pay period. That’s on top of making you whole by actually paying you the stolen tips.

Minimum wage continues its annual increase. The $16.90 rate for 2026 is just the latest bump. California law caps annual increases at 3.5 percent, but the trend is clearly upward.

Some clubs have responded by raising house fees or changing their policies. Notably, when AB5 passed, some dancers relocated to Nevada, Oregon, and Washington rather than accept employee status. Clubs claimed dancers wanted flexibility over legal protections. But employment lawyers say that’s the same argument Uber and Lyft made—and it didn’t hold up.

Red Flags: When a Club Might Be Violating Your Rights

You should know what illegal practices look like. Here are some major red flags.

If your club is still classifying you as an independent contractor, that’s likely illegal. The ABC test almost always means dancers are employees. A club doing this is setting themselves up for liability.

If the club withholds any portion of your tips for any reason—house fees, credit card processing, “bad performance,” whatever—that’s illegal. Your tips are yours.

If you’re charged penalties for being late, taking a break, or refusing a private dance, that’s suspect. You can’t be fined for normal employment situations. That’s wage theft.

If your club pressures you to sign away your rights, or offers a big bonus to sign a “Release of Claims,” be careful. Courts look skeptically at these arrangements.

If you report harassment and suddenly your shifts get cut or the club treats you worse, that’s retaliation. Document it immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s what you should actually do if you’re an exotic dancer in California.

First, know your rights. You’re not an independent contractor. You’re an employee. Period. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Second, get everything in writing. If your club promises you something, ask for it on paper. If they give you a contract, read it carefully. Don’t sign anything that makes you waive legal rights.

Third, track your hours and tips. Keep a personal record of when you work and what you earn. This is your proof if there’s ever a dispute.

Fourth, report problems early. If something feels wrong—whether it’s wage theft, harassment, or misclassification—document it and report it to management. Keep copies of your reports.

Fifth, reach out to an employment lawyer if needed. Many offer free consultations. If a club has been violating your rights, you may have a claim. Class action lawsuits exist precisely because these problems are widespread.

Organizations That Can Help

You don’t have to fight alone. Several groups support exotic dancers in California.

Strippers United advocates for dancer rights and unionization across California. They work specifically on improving wages and working conditions for performers.

The Erotic Service Providers Union (ESPU) focuses on labor laws and helping dancers understand their rights. They have resources about wage violations, employment classification, and more.

Your local Labor Commissioner’s Office can help with wage claims. You can call the helpline at 833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) during business hours in English or Spanish.

Employment law firms that specialize in labor rights often take cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless you win. Many work specifically with exotic dancers and strip club issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a club still classify me as an independent contractor?

Technically, they can try. But they’ll almost certainly lose if challenged. The ABC test makes it nearly impossible for exotic dancers to qualify as independent contractors. Clubs that do this are exposing themselves to significant liability.

Do I have to get a license to dance in California?

It depends on your city. Some cities require individual exotic dancer permits. Others don’t. Check with your local police department’s Permits and Licensing division to know what your city requires.

What happens if my club doesn’t pay minimum wage?

You can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner. You can also sue the club for back wages, penalties, and potentially additional damages. You might recover thousands of dollars.

Can a club charge me house fees?

This is legally questionable. If you’re an employee, clubs generally shouldn’t charge you for the right to work. If your club is doing this, talk to an employment lawyer about whether you have grounds for a wage claim.

What if my club retaliates against me for reporting harassment?

Retaliation is illegal. Document everything, report the retaliation to management in writing, and consider contacting an employment lawyer. You may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Are tips taxable?

Yes, tips are income and must be reported for tax purposes. However, this doesn’t change that they’re yours to keep. Your club can’t deduct them for any reason.

Can I form a union at my club?

Yes. Employee status gives you the right to organize and collectively bargain. Some dancers in California are already doing this.

What if I’m sexually harassed at work?

Report it to management immediately, preferably in writing. Keep documentation. If management doesn’t respond appropriately, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or consult an employment lawyer.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line: exotic dancers in California have stronger legal protections than they’ve ever had. You’re almost certainly an employee, not an independent contractor. That means minimum wage, tips that belong to you, protection from harassment, and access to workers’ compensation.

But knowing your rights is only half the battle. Actually enforcing them takes work. Document everything. Stay aware of what’s legal and what isn’t. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.

You deserve to work in a safe environment with fair pay and real protections. California law says so. Make sure your club follows it.