In sin city Vegas, erotic dancers must keep distance

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 11 (Reuters) A court has upheld a Las Vegas city regulation barring erotic dancers from raunchy physical contact with their customers, in a ruling that runs counter to the gambling city's sinful reputation.

Nevada's Supreme Court on Thursday reversed two lower court rulings that found the regulation improperly curtailed ''expressive conduct'' protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment.

The high court judges said that even if the constitutional amendment did apply, its protection was not absolute, and added the city measure helps curtail prostitution, sexually transmitted disease, drug offenses and criminal activity.

The city rule bars dancers from physical contact of a sexual nature with customers.

The decision echoes a ruling by the ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals last year that backed a California city's regulation requiring at least two feet distance between erotic dancers and the audience.

Voters in Seattle took a different view this week, rejecting a measure on Tuesday that would require erotic dancers to stay at least four feet from patrons.

REUTERS BDP RN0933