The people of Mandan know what they want, and it's not lap dances.

With 1,613 yes votes cast, out of 2,119 total, the city commission's decision to regulate adult cabarets and their dancers was heavily supported. The number of votes cast in Mandan's last one-ballot vote, held in 1996 for a public library bond issue, was 1,859.

Tuesday's recall vote of Ordinance 964 came as a result of petition efforts by a small group of Mandan residents. Ordinance 964, in effect since June as a result of an emergency clause placed on the ordinance and four others further regulating adult entertainment businesses, requires background information and licensing of adult entertainment businesses, cabaret managers and entertainers. Dancers are prohibited from "mingling" with the public for private dances or entertainment, eliminating lap dances or any direct contact between dancers and customers. Performance areas must be separated from the public by at least 6 feet and cordoned off with a 3-foot- high rail. The cabaret also must have a sign stating entertainers are not permitted to engage in any type of sexual conduct or appear semi-nude or nude. They also can't accept tips or gratuities in advance of performing or receive tips directly from customers - money would be placed in a receptacle.

Mandan Mayor Ken LaMont figured there would be "heavy" voting on the issue, and Silver Dollar bar owner Luke Berger figured the recall would fail. Both were right.

"It's overwhelming that people supported us," LaMont said. "You always wonder if you're doing the right thing or not, and the town came out and told us they're behind us all the way."

Berger said the city's decisions pushes him to consider leaving Mandan.

"Mandan's an old-age home. All the young people moved out because there's nothing there for them," he said.

Berger and Tree City bar owner Pat Smith have until June 2005 to comply by the ordinances, but any new adult entertainment businesses would be subject to them immediately. Although LaMont said there's been speculation as to new businesses coming to Mandan, Berger figures there's no need to worry.

"It will affect any potential clubs coming in. They're not going to come in with just a juice bar," he said.

Berger, who was admittedly upset by the recall and ordinances in general, said he doesn't think Mandan knows what it wants, but LaMont contradicts.

"We're going to continue with our redevelopment plans and keep pursuing downtown Mandan as a place to be."