This seems a time of transition.
The basics: former Chinese restaurant converted to a club years ago. Two stages. Lots of construction efforts inside. Lots of change although the work seems to be taking place only when closed. Alcohol coming soon. $21 to get in the door.
The physical changes are mostly positive.
Dancers typically pay “rent” each day they dance. This has always been complicated and controversial. Rent might be lower if you are one of the first ten dancers on a day. Or on a holiday. It was often a flat fee— let’s say $100. Dancers also typically tip out to certain staff (including the dj). In other words, the first $140 or more in income each day was handed over. It was very possible for dancers to leave owing money in years past. And there were all sorts of problematic practices at one time — back rent, no show fees, penalties, etc. But very possible to work 8 hours and leave with no money.
The big change is that rent is now a percentage up to a fixed limit. Helpful for dancers in some ways -if you only make $100 then rent is a max of $30. But it complicates things a bit. They need to sort through what counts and what doesn’t— stage tips don’t count; tips above the dance cost don’t, but everything else does.
At one club, they might set the dance price ($40 per ) and an employee will count each dance. And charge each dancer $10 per dance. But you pay the dancer directly. The dancer holds the cash.
At another club, you might have to buy dances in advance. From a club employee other than the dancer. And the dancer gets 70% of the proceeds at the end of the day. The club holds the cash. And you have to go back to the cashier if you want a second dance. At the club, customers may end up purchasing fewer dances as a result.
And then additional wrinkles if alcohol is available. If you buy a dancer a drink, how is that split? How does that change owner income?
And everyone is still sorting through this. My best guess — three for a $100 is gone. $40 each. Rooms will likely have some sort of additional minimum charge. And lots of people will change — under 21s to alcohol free places. Some over 21s to PDX or Vegas. Some between clubs. And clubs may end up reporting amounts paid to dancers to the irs in some manner. Some dancers will leave while others may enter. Same with customers.
Some clubs, on some days/shifts, are packed with dancers. Other clubs are ghost towns. A club is packed with dancers one week on a given shift but empty another. I am hearing not a lot of customers. And lots of dancers trying different shifts and clubs.
