SEATTLE- The Seattle city council approved some of the strictest adult-entertainment regulations of any big city in the country, banning lap dances and the tipping of dancers in their G-strings.

The council voted 5-4 on Monday to require that dancers stay 4 feet from patrons, and that the clubs maintain at least parking-garage brightness throughout the premises.

Private rooms will not be allowed and patrons will be offered a tip jar, instead of dealing directly with dancers.

“For the most part, the attraction’s gone,” said Gillevy, a lawyer for Rick’s adult nightclub in Seattle.

“It will make the clubs less fun.”

The legislation was requested by mayor Greg Nickels and will take effect six months after he signs it. The mayor’s office said the restrictions were needed to prevent a rash of cabarets from opening after a federal judge struck down the city’s 17-year moratorium on new strip clubs.

Those who opposed the rules suggested zoning would be a better way to regulate strip clubs. Seattle has no zoning regulations governing adult entertainment.

Opponents also argued that the rules were unbecoming of a city that prides itself on being liberal and tolerant.

“Without being prudes, we can be prudent,” said councilman Nick Licata.

“For far too long, men have tried to tell women what work they can do,” added councilwoman Jean Godden.

In the late 1980s, concerned residents persuaded the city to impose a 180-day moratorium, to keep the number where it was while officials studied the social effects of the clubs and whether zoning regulations were needed.