Disclaimer:

Optional masking does not mean we are in the clear of the Corona virus. The reopening of strip club establishments does not mean the pandemic is over. Please instill protection when confined in small unventilated areas and continue to practice social distancing. This is our new world.

I was excited to hear of a local strip club had reopened for business. I wanted to scope out the new processes, grab a mid-afternoon drink, and for some entertainment. I was all gun-hoe until I got there. As I pulled into the parking lot with a bearly noticeable shabby building, all of a sudden, I got nervous, “What am I thinking?” I’m about to enter the dungeon of darkness and God only knows what’s inside has not seen a ray of light. 

It was a major decision. I have been so careful and not have been to any establishments, let alone a strip club. We are not living in the same kind of safe world pre-2020. I was interested to know the changes, so I walked in, masked on, & not knowing what to expect.  

There were not many people in the place, 15 people, which included the entertainers, staff, and patron. Currently, establishments are to be filled at only 25% max capacity to follow state guidelines for specific stages of business reopening. There were three tables occupied and were spread far apart from one another. The bar had about five people congrating around each other as normal, where social distancing was not observed. I selected a table farthest back to sit and watch what has changed and what is the same.

After being seated, I was greeted by the waitress. She has her mask on. She told me now that I am seated at a table, I can remove my mask.  Ugh, well, I prefer to continue wearing my mask. I felt more comfortable with my mask on than off.  To my surprise, that is what made others feel uncomfortable with my choice to continue wearing my mask inside the club.  I was told twice that I didn’t have to wear my mask while inside. This brings me back to the club rules pre-2020, no hoods or hats inside the club. I have seen patrons get into arguments with security and staff over the removal of their headgear. “It’s policy” the bouncers would say to enforce. Is this what’s happening?

The reason for this rule is for surveillance. The establishment wants to be able to see your face in case of any incident. Some places may apply facial recognition technology as soon as you walk in the door. You are captured upon entering the building, follows your every movement. You will be seen buying drinks, the kind of drinks, your entire party will be filmed, and all of whom you engaged with. Hardcore evidence of all your encounters and transactions. 

Needless to say, there have been a number of men that wake up the next morning and regret what they have spent in their evening escapade. It would usually start off them contacting their credit card company and telling them that their card was lost or stolen and that it was not them having a good time at the strip club. Well, the cameras never lie. 

Wearing a mask can definitely interfere with face recognition procedures. However, at this time it is for health safety reasons. The staff wearing masks were only the bartender, waitress, and security guy who has to roam around and serve every patron.

One girl approached my table to introduce herself, said “Hello” and as it was in slow motion, I saw her stretch her hand towards me for an expected handshake. Yikes! Quickly, what do I do? I was uncomfortable, however, I didn’t want to be rude, so I reach out and gave her a reluctant weak, limp, barely-there handshake. I immediately grabbed hand sanitizer from the table and doused my hands. I like the fact that 2 bottles of hand sanitizers were placed at every table and all at arms reach. I really think girls should try to refrain from handshakes. I prefer the elbow knock these days.

It is definately a new world! Handshakes and hugs are taboo these days, but the dirty dollars are still handled here. “Would you like any dollars bills?” I was asked by the waitress. So it is still possible to “make it rain” in 2020. Would I even want to do that to the girls? I know how much fun it is to play in the rain, especially when its raining moolah. But the virus! I no longer have an interest in the showmanship of fluttering entertainers with dirty, infected cash. And now, it will be sad to see the girls still being subject to this. At least make it rain with Andrew Jackets and Benjamin Franklins!

I was the only patron still wearing my mask. Maybe that was enough to relay a message that I am actively practicing social distancing. Maybe they watched me get skeeved out with the handshake. As I watch the girls sit at the other tables, social distancing slowly diminished the more alcohol is consumed. They still sat close enough to coo and whisper sweet nothings into the guy’s ear, under the table “knee rubs,” and not long they disappear into the back where they will get more than a handshake.

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