Are lap dances illegal in Las Vegas?

Are Lap Dances Illegal in Las Vegas?
Short answer: No—lap dances are perfectly legal in licensed Las Vegas venues. Here’s why:

1. Public vs. Private: What Nevada Law Says

Nevada law prohibits sexual activity in public—that is, anywhere a member of the public could reasonably see in—under statutes like “open or gross lewdness” (NRS 201.210) and “indecent exposure” (NRS 201.220). A private, licensed strip club is not “public” in this sense, so lap dances performed inside such venues do not violate these statutes.

2. Exotic Dancing Is Legal—and Regulated

Nevada courts have long recognized that topless and exotic dancing in properly permitted establishments is lawful. A UNLV Law Review analysis notes that state law “does not expressly prohibit topless dancing in casinos,” and by extension in any licensed adult-entertainment venue—including gentlemen’s clubs like Scores—so long as they follow local regulations.

3. Clark County’s Erotic Dance Code

Clark County (which includes Las Vegas) enforces an “Erotic Dance Code” that sets clear rules for licensed clubs:

• Permitting & Distance: Performers must keep at least an 18-inch “mileage” buffer between themselves and patrons unless the club holds a special permit for closer contact.
• No Full Nudity with Alcohol: Clubs may choose full nudity or serve alcohol—but not both—unless they hold specific mixed-use permits.
• Enforcement: Dancers and clubs can be fined if they exceed permitted contact or nudity levels (reviewjournal.com).

In 2006, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the clarity of this code, rejecting challenges that it was unconstitutionally vague (lasvegasadvisor.com).

4. So Why the Confusion?

• Myth of “Anti-Lap Dance Laws”: Media reports sometimes conflate public-lewdness statutes with private-venue regulations.
• Enforcement Variability: Clubs that push beyond County rules (e.g., allowing genital contact) may face local citations—and these rare infractions get sensationalized.

5. Scores Gentlemen’s Club: Fully Compliant & Professional

At Scores, we hold all required Nevada state and Clark County permits. Our dancers:

• Perform under the exact “mileage” and nudity rules set by County code.
• Never allow prohibited contact—only what the law and our club policy permit.
• Enjoy the safety and oversight that come with a fully licensed operation.

That means every lap dance at Scores is not only legal but also held to the highest professional and regulatory standards.

Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered whether lap dances in Vegas cross a legal line, rest easy: in licensed clubs like Scores Gentlemen’s Club, they’re completely above board. Come experience Vegas’s finest in full compliance—book your VIP package today!