Bill penalizing businesses that admit kids to ‘adult live performances’ heads to DeSantis’ desk
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – A bill that will penalize businesses and people who admit children to “adult live performances” is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, in the House and by Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, in the Senate. The bill passed 82-32 on the House floor.
The legislation would authorize Florida to fine, suspend, or revoke the license of any public establishment that admits a child to “adult live performances” that depict or simulate nudity, sexual conduct, or lewd exposure.
Violating the rules would result in a first degree misdemeanor, according to the bill.
Fine said on the House floor that parents who bring their children will not be penalized for taking their kids to “adult live performances.”
It allows the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to suspend or revoke an alcohol beverage license if a child has admitted to one of these performances.
The Senate previously approved an amendment to prohibit state or local entities from issuing permits for a person to conduct an “adult live performance” in front of children. The person who issued the permit or provided authorization could be charged with a first degree misdemeanor.
In early February, DeSantis’ office said the department is “revoking” the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation’s liquor license after a “sexual” drag show permitted entry to minors.
The department said the venue exposed and promoted lewd, obscene, and sexual acts to minors.
The state is revoking the Hyatt Regency Miami’s alcohol license for the same reasons, according to an announcement earlier in March.
Rep. Jennifer Harris, D-Orlando, opposed the bill and said the bill is designed to have a “chilling” effect on businesses that host drag events.
“This bill is designed to have a chilling effect on businesses that host drag events, it would have the Department of Business and Professional Regulation remove liquor licenses, fines up to $10,000, and even shut down places that host drag events, whether those shows are family friendly or not,” Harris said.
Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, spoke in support of the bill during debate.
“There is nothing in this bill that a good parent or a good entertainer should fear. So to my colleagues who are concerned that this bill may somehow affect their parties or their events – read the bill,” Rudman said.
“Unless you’re targeting children with stuff that, let’s be honest, it’s frankly disgusting, you have absolutely nothing to fear. And if your business is targeting children, that business model ends today,” Rudman continued.
“The right question is not ‘why do I want to stop children from going to these kinds of events?’ The question is ‘why are they so determined to do it to children?’ This is a good bill, protect our children, vote for it,” Fine said in closing.
