Kan. House panel takes up bill on adult businesses

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas House committee is preparing to consider new state regulations on strip clubs, adult bookstores and other sexually oriented businesses.

The legislation was on Friday's agenda of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

It would ban total nudity and alcohol within such businesses, bar seminude employees from intentionally touching patrons and require dancers to remain 6 feet away from customers.

Supporters call the measure the Community Defense Act. They argue it would impose reasonable regulations to combat crime and other problems associated with adult businesses.

Critics say Kansas communities already do a good job of regulating such businesses.

The bill would also bar sexually oriented businesses from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, day cares, libraries, parks, homes or houses of worship.