Fmr. Exotic Dancer Hits SRM Enterprises with Wage and Hour Lawsuit

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An individual formerly employed as an exotic dancer at Southeast Philadelphia’s Vanity Grand Cabaret has filed a proposed hybrid class/collective action against the club’s operating company over alleged Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violations. The lawsuit against defendant SRM Enterprises, LLC—who boasts itself as “Philadelphia’s most exclusive multi-million-dollar gentleman’s club”—claims the company violated federal and state labor laws by failing to properly classify its dancers as employees, not independent contractors.

According to the complaint, at least 100 women within the last three years have been subject to the defendant’s allegedly unlawful employment practices. Specifically, the plaintiff says she and other dancers, among other violations, were paid no wages by the club, instead receiving only tips directly from customers as compensation, and were subject to numerous unlawful deductions.

“[The defendant] subjects [the plaintiff] and other dancers to pay deductions,” the case reads. “For example, dancers: (i) must pay [the defendant] $100 if they miss their ‘stage rotation;’ (ii) must pay ‘minimum rent’ of between $61 and $151 per shift; (iii) must pay $5 for every ‘private couch dance;’ (iv) must pay $50 for every ’15-minute Champagne Court Dance; (v) must pay $75 for every ’30-minute Champagne Court’ dance; and (vi) must pay $100 for every ‘VIP Court’ dance.”