ORLANDO, Fla. — A charity drag beauty pageant scheduled at the Doctor Phillip’s Center that was canceled over concerns it would lose its liquor license.
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Now, other businesses are just as worried as lawmakers in Tallahassee introduce bills that some fear could be used to target drag shows and shut them down.
The state house bill, filed Friday, would punish businesses for admitting children into “adult live performances,” but the bill doesn’t specify what adult “performances” means. It defines them as “any show, exhibition or other presentation in front of a live audience which, in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities.”
While neither the house bill nor the companion legislation in the Senate say anything about drag shows, that is the main concern.
Businesses could face up to $10,000 if they’re found in violation, along with suspensions and revoking liquor licenses.
Channel 9 reached out to the House Bill sponsor to clarify if adult entertainment included drag shows or activities involving drag queens. He sent the definition of adult entertainment as laid out in the bill.
Hear from one local business owner in the video above.
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