Senate Passes Larkin Bill To Increase Age Of 'juice Bar' Employees

A bill sponsored by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) was passed by the New York State Senate this week that would make eighteen the minimum age for women to be nude or topless in establishments not controlled by the State Liquor Authority.

"The purpose of this bill is simple," said Senator Larkin. "Young people under the age of eighteen should not be allowed to be hired to work at so-called ‘Juice Bars’ and give performances with sexual content. But, under current law, any night club that is not regulated by the State Liquor Authority is permitted to hire children over the age of 16 to ‘entertain’ patrons. We have to fix this loophole. It’s only hurting our young people and damaging the dignity of young women."

The bill also curtails the ability of an employer of a night club or other establishment to hire children under the age of 18 to engage in a sexual performance. Under current law, these employers may hire 17-year-olds. This bill raises the minimum age to 18.

Parents and guardians of children under the 18 years of age would not be legally allowed to consent to have their children employed at juice bars.

"This is a common sense measure to expand protections given to our children and to ensure that they are not permitted to be hired to entertain patrons while unclothed or to work in questionable surroundings," added Larkin.