Missouri- from www.stjoenews.net – Ray’s Over-21, an adult entertainment superstore in Kansas City, closes at 1 a.m. two days a week. Some Missouri senators want to change that.

“I don’t want to shut down any more hours,” said David Cain, owner of Ray’s Over-21. “We’re struggling enough as it is.”

A bill now circulating in the state Senate would force adult entertainment businesses to close by midnight. The proposed regulation could affect such businesses in St. Joseph because they are allowed to operate until 1:30 a.m.

The legislation also seeks to ban strip clubs and adult video stores within 1,000 feet of a pre-existing school, house of worship, state-licensed day care, public library, public park or residence. This particular regulation applies to businesses opening after Aug. 28, 2010.

The bill also requires semi-nude employees to stay six feet away from customers. And at no point can anyone sell, use or consume alcohol on the premises, according to the bill.

“The (affected) jurisdictions will lose the sales tax revenue they have coming in,” said Richard Bryant, an attorney at Richard T. Bryant & Associates, which represents a handful of adult entertainment businesses in the Kansas City area. “It just doesn’t make good sense.”

If affected businesses close in the wake of new regulations, which is possible, more Missourians will join the ranks of the unemployed, Mr. Bryant said.

“If they have families, it means the families will go on Medicaid,” he said.

Businesses that do not comply with the proposed regulations could be charged with a misdemeanor, accompanied by a fine not to exceed $500.

“We’re not doing anything illegal,” Mr. Cain stressed.

Mr. Cain said he was particularly concerned about clients who frequent such establishments.

“I always worry about that when (the government) wants to shut you down all the time,” he said. “Where are (the clients) going to go?”

In St. Joseph, no “licensee” can legally allow semi-nude dancing on its premises if it is located within 1,000 feet of any school, church, city park or licensed child care center facility. Any semi-nude dance must also be performed upon a stage that is separated at every point by at least six feet from the nearest seated customer.

Blondie’s, an adult entertainment club in St. Joseph, is within close proximity of the local YMCA, which offers a child care service for members while they use the establishment’s workout facilities.

“They are allowed the grandfather right to continue the business,” said Mike Kellam, city planner for St. Joseph.