DOTHAN,Alabama – from www.wsfa.com – The Houston County Commission is taking a stand against the adult entertainment industry.

The commission voted Monday to regulate strip clubs countywide.

Currently, there are six adult-themed clubs in Houston County, but the push is on to prevent new establishments from opening.

The Houston County Commission unanimously approved local legislation that would regulate the adult entertainment industry.

The law would prohibit new strip clubs from serving alcohol in an effort to discourage future clubs from opening.

“On behalf of all of us, thank you so much for doing this, thank you,” said Susan Robertson of the Wiregrass Museum of Art.

Existing clubs in Houston County would be exempt under the new provision unless a club changes ownership or violates the rules of its liquor license.

“We don’t want to put anybody out of a job right now, we’re not putting a line in the sand and saying all these places will close, but what we do want to do is stop the expansion of this type of facility,’ explained Mark Culver, Chairman of the Houston County Commission.

The sheriff says his deputies responded to 245 calls at gentleman’s clubs last year alone, and commissioners hope this new legislation will prevent that number from getting any higher.

State lawmakers in Montgomery must approve the legislation before it takes effect.

The county is hoping they can present this during a proposed special called session of the state legislation in August.

If not, they’ll present it during next year’s regular session.