More than 100 strippers showed up at Seattle City Hall yesterday to protest stricter rules for strip clubs, saying a virtual ban on lap dances would put them out of business.

The dancers at yesterday's Finance and Budget Committee meeting, many with toddlers in tow, spoke out against the legislation and defended their line of work — arguing that they are hardworking, independent contractors who should be allowed to do what they do without city interference.

"We are independent women not relying on the state or financial aid or anything else to help us get by," said Leah Jet, a single mother who dances at Rick's in Lake City.

The regulations proposed by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels would bring the city into line with other Puget Sound-area jurisdictions. Strippers would have to stay at least 4 feet from customers, dance only in brightly lit rooms, and not accept tips directly. The committee is expected to vote on the rules at a noon meeting tomorrow.

A lawsuit challenging the city's longstanding moratorium on new strip clubs prompted the mayor to propose stricter rules. Marianne Bichsel, the mayor's spokeswoman, said Nickels wants to ensure that if more clubs open in Seattle, the city has rules in place to govern them.

Bob Davis, a local comedy- and dance-club owner, sued the city May 16 because the city denied his application to open a strip club.

There are four strip clubs in Seattle. A fifth in Greenwood has not been operating. About 550 people in Seattle hold licenses as "adult entertainers," Bichsel said.

One woman at the meeting spoke in favor of the proposal yesterday. She said the 4-foot rule would be easier to enforce than the current rule, and expressed worry that more strip clubs could bring violence to neighborhoods and litter the streets with beer bottles, condoms and needles.

Currently, dancers cannot simulate sexual acts, touch customers' or their own private parts or allow others to touch the dancers' private parts. Dancers are required to wear some clothing unless they're on stage.

Several people yesterday said they think the council is in a political fix that will force them to vote for the stricter regulations. The 2003 "Strippergate" controversy over campaign contributions linked to Rick's owner Frank Colacurcio Jr. could make council members feel like they need to prove they aren't influenced by strip-club owners, said Suzanne Snow, a dancer at Rick's.

"I really, honestly, feel that the mayor's put so much pressure on the City Council ... that we're ultimately going to be punished," she said.

Snow works part time so she can care for her 5-year-old son every other week. Working just half the year, she said, she makes about $50,000 annually. She expects that would plummet if the new rules are approved.

Since strippers work for tips they earn during table and lap dances, their income would drop dramatically if they were barred during those private dances from getting any closer than 4 feet from their customers, Snow said.

Patrons can already see dancers from 6 feet away while the dancers are on stage.

"How can we make money when someone can pay a $10 cover charge to see us for free?" she said.

Councilman Richard McIver, who chaired the meeting, said he found the dancers to be "articulate."

"I have very mixed emotions on" the proposed legislation, he said.

But, he said, concerns about crime and prostitution that back up proposed restrictions on strip clubs are also warranted.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com