A federal appeals court upheld Virginia laws prohibiting the sale of mixed drinks at strip clubs.
Two clubs in Richmond and one in Springfield sued the state, arguing the laws violated their First Amendment rights.
The three Papermoon clubs claimed there was no rationale for allowing beer and wine sales but not mixed drinks at clubs featuring dancers in G-strings and pasties.
A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted unanimously ruling the restriction on the clubs is minimal.
The court embraced the state's position that mixing hard liquor with erotic performances can lead to increased crime and other negative consequences.
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