Denver Court Ruling Affirms Wage Protections for Adult Entertainers

Denver has taken a decisive step in affirming that all workers, regardless of industry, deserve fair treatment and wage protections. In a landmark ruling last week, a Denver District Court confirmed that strip club entertainers are indeed workers under city wage and employment laws, rejecting arguments that sought to exclude them from basic labor rights.

The case stems from investigations by Denver Labor, a division of the Auditor’s Office, into wage theft at several adult entertainment venues, including PT’s Showclub Centerfold, PT’s Showclub, Diamond Cabaret, and Rick’s Cabaret. Beginning in 2023, investigators sought payroll records, contracts, and documentation of fees that entertainers were required to pay in order to work. When clubs refused to comply, some even claiming records did not exist, Denver Labor imposed fines and issued subpoenas.

Strip club owners attempted to argue that entertainers were “licensees” rather than employees or contractors, and therefore beyond the reach of Denver’s wage laws. However, both a hearing officer and the District Court have rejected that claim, affirming the city’s authority to investigate and enforce wage protections.

|“Our office enforces wage theft laws for all industries and protects anyone performing work |in Denver. Adult entertainment workers are no different, and we are pleased the courts |agree,” said Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA.

The ruling is more than a technical victory; it represents a cultural shift in recognizing the dignity of labor across various industries, which have often been marginalized or stigmatized. Denver Labor Executive Director Matthew Fritz-Mauer underscored the importance of the decision:

|“The strip clubs have tried every tactic to avoid paying these workers properly and to dodge their wage responsibility. Even if it means creating new legal arguments that lack evidence or are contradictory. I’m thrilled the District Court recognized our legal authority to enforce sex workers’ rights. We remain steadfast in doing what’s right for all workers in Denver.”

A Fight for Restitution

The battle is far from over. In February 2025, Denver Labor ordered Diamond Cabaret and Rick’s Cabaret to pay nearly $13.96 million in restitution and penalties after finding that more than 230 workers, including entertainers, bartenders, and servers, were victims of wage theft. The clubs are appealing, but the city remains committed to recovering back pay for those affected.

This ruling resonates beyond the adult entertainment industry. It signals that Denver is unwilling to allow loopholes or labels to strip workers of their rights. For entertainers, many of whom face unique vulnerabilities in their profession, the decision affirms their place within the broader labor movement: they are workers, and they deserve protection.

Resources for Workers

Denver Labor encourages anyone in the adult entertainment industry to learn about their wage rights and protections by visiting DenverGov.org/StripClubs. Workers may also submit anonymous complaints if they believe they have been victims of wage theft.

A Broader Conversation

As Denver continues to grapple with issues of equity and justice in the workplace, this case reminds us that labor rights are universal. Whether in hospitals, restaurants, or clubs, the principle remains the same: work deserves fair pay.