Las Vegas targets costumed performers who pressure tourists for tips on the Strip Local officials are reminding visitors that tips are not mandatory after taking photos with street performers, as a new campaign targets aggressive tipping demands on the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas officials are launching a campaign to stop costumed street performers from pressuring tourists for tips, reminding visitors that they are not required to pay after taking photos or watching performances on the Strip. Clark County officials said the initiative is not intended to discourage voluntary tips, but specifically targets performers who coerce visitors for cash or falsely imply that tipping is mandatory, according to FOX5 Las Vegas. Two visitors from North Carolina stopped for photos with three women dressed as showgirls outside Planet Hollywood on Sept. 30. After the tourists began walking away, performer Jennifer Ortiz allegedly followed them and demanded between $60 and $180 for the photos, according to an arrest report.Tourists Attacked Over Refusal to Pay for Photos with ShowgirlsPolice said one visitor was struck more than 22 times and suffered a nearly 2-inch cut to the forehead after Ortiz allegedly hit the person with a high-heeled boot. Ortiz was charged with battery and obtaining money under false pretenses involving less than $1,200, while Romero was charged with battery. Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft told FOX5 that the aggressive behavior threatens the city's core industry.It negatively impacts the economic lifeblood of not just Clark County, but the entire state tax base is dependent on the Las Vegas Strip, Naft said. The new effort is aimed at performers who pressure visitors for money or lead them to believe payment is required. Women dressed as showgirls were seen waving to visitors walking along the Las Vegas Strip on Aug. 7, 2025. Local reactions have been largely supportive.Locals Welcome Crackdown on Aggressive Street PerformersGood, it is getting a little crazy, one Reddit user wrote. I am glad they are clamping down after that brawl a couple of weeks ago. Best advice is not to engage them, another commenter advised. The crackdown comes as Las Vegas prices squeeze everyday travelers and the city embraces an expensive makeover.Officials said customers should still hear thank you whether they leave a tip or not, according to an expert. Greg Wehner of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. Kelly McGreal is a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, covering travel, food and drink, health, relationships and more.