The following regulations in the AGLC (Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission) handbook in Section 5.11 classify Burlesque dancers as “Nude Entertainment” and therefore limit the creative output in The Garter Girls Burly-Q Revue shows: 5.11.1 "Nude" means the exposure of genitals (male or female) and/or breasts (female), whether the person is fully or partially unclothed. These body parts are considered exposed if covered only by paint or another non-fabric substance (e.g., mud, ink, tape, etc.). 5.11.2 "Physical contact" means person-to-person touching or the use of a device or prop to touch another person (e.g., a paint brush). 5.11.7 While on the licensed premises, entertainers must: a) Be fully clothed before and after performances and at all times when not on the stage; b) Move directly between the change room and the stage/dance floor; and c) Not have physical contact of any kind with licensee staff or patrons before, during or after performances (see Section 5.11.9). 5.11.8 During a performance, neither patrons nor entertainers may enter the one (1) metre separation between the stage/dance floor and the patron seating area. 5.11.9 Two or more entertainers may perform at the same time with the following conditions: a) The entertainers must perform independently of each other and stay at least one (1) metre apart at all times. b) The entertainers may not interact with each other or have any physical contact, clothed or nude. c) Advertising cannot promote "duos" or other similar activities. 5.11.10 Nude entertainment must not involve: a) The use of animals, birds or reptiles; b) The use of props or devices of a sexual nature or which have a sexual connotation; c) Real or simulated acts of violence; d) Insertion of objects into, or extraction of objects from, the body of an entertainer; e) Table or lap dancing. This petition’s purpose is to challenge the AGLC’s classification of burlesque dancers under the “Nude Entertainment” category. The “Nude Entertainment” regulation limits creative aspects of a burlesque show, including group skits and prop usage. We advocate that underwear and pasties—pasties being made out of fabric and like materials that supply coverage to the entire nipple area—are sufficient coverage to classify burlesque dancers as “Non-Nude”. By Signing this petition you can help The Garter Girls fight this classification and allow burlesque to flourish in Calgary without being restricted by these regulations. Petition to Challenge the Classification of "Nude Entertainment" for Burlesque Acts We, the undersigned, respectfully request that The AGLC (Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission) consider pasties and underwear sufficient coverage for genitals and breasts on Burlesque Performers, and therefore agree that Burlesque Performers should not be classified as “Nude Entertainment” defined in Section 5.11 of the Handbook.

Links