After‑Hours Compliance Notice
As a community of performers and advocates, we stand with entertainers to ensure their workplaces are safe, lawful and dignified. Please be aware of local regulations regarding after‑hours dance establishments, particularly in the City of Tempe, Arizona. Operating unlawfully not only risks penalties but also undermines the safety of workers and patrons.
Current Advisory for Dimes Cabaret
A recent investigation has highlighted possible violations at Dimes Cabaret involving soliciting and accepting money for dancing between the hours of 1:30 AM and 6:00 AM. Entertainers and patrons should be aware that such activities may violate the City of Tempe's After‑Hours regulations. If you are a performer asked to work during these hours or to solicit payments, please seek guidance before participating.
Summary of Key Regulations
- After‑Hours Activity: Includes dance halls or liquor‑licensed premises open to patrons from 1:30 AM to 6:00 AM where social dancing occurs.
- No Solicitation: Employees and patrons must not solicit or encourage purchases of any items of value during after‑hours operations (Section 16A‑88(6)).
- No Paid Dancing: It is prohibited to employ or compensate anyone to dance with patrons, except licensed dance instructors providing bona fide lessons (Section 16A‑88(12)).
- Penalties: Violations may result in fines, license revocation, and jail time (Sections 16A‑90 and 1‑7). Each day a violation continues is considered a separate offense.
Full Legal Text
We encourage all entertainers to read the relevant sections of the City of Tempe Code. Understanding the law protects you and your colleagues:
Sec. 16A‑88. Unlawful activities.
(6) Solicit or encourage, or allow an employee to solicit or encourage, to buy a patron anything of value, directly or indirectly, or for a patron to solicit or encourage to buy an employee anything of value, directly or indirectly.
(12) Employ or permit a person to be employed on a salary, contract or commission basis for the purpose of dancing with patrons, except that this shall not apply to bona fide instructors of dancing regularly employed for the exclusive purpose of giving bona fide instructions for dancing.
Sec. 16A‑90. Penalty.
(a) A violation of this article is an offense, punishable as provided in § 1‑7 of this code. Each day on which a violation continues shall be a separate offense.
(b) In addition to the punishments provided in this section, a violation of this article is grounds for revocation of the license as provided in § 16A‑85.
Sec. 1‑7. General penalty; civil penalties; fees and collection; continuing violations.
(a) Whenever any act is prohibited or declared unlawful in this Code where no specific penalty is provided, the violation shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $2,500 plus applicable surcharges, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
(b) For provisions subject to civil sanction, a civil penalty up to $500 may be imposed unless otherwise specified.
(c) If delinquent fines or penalties are referred for collection, collection or attorney costs may be added to the balance.
(d) Judges may impose probation up to three years with conditions including fines or incarceration.
(e) Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.
Resources & Reporting
If you believe an establishment is operating unlawfully or you need assistance understanding your rights as an entertainer, please contact:
- City of Tempe Tax & License Office: 480‑350‑2955 | license@tempe.gov | 20 E. 6th St., 3rd Floor, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Workers’ Rights Hotline: We recommend contacting a legal aid organization or local labor department for confidential advice.
About Us
The Entertainers Safety Coalition is a grassroots advocacy group committed to empowering entertainers and promoting safe, lawful and ethical performance environments. Our mission is to educate performers about their rights, provide resources for those facing exploitation, and collaborate with venues to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
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