Strip Club Casualty

This may be one of the first casualties of the new Missouri "strip club law". I was driving down Chouteau Blvd. in Kansas City (north of the river), past Diamond Joe's. The parking lot was empty and the sign said closed. I don't frequent this area, so I have no idea how long it has been closed, but after checking out TUSCL, it no longer has Diamond Joe's as a Missouri club.

Possible reasons for the closure:

1. Back in August, Missouri implemented the new law that prohits nudity in strip clubs and contact between dancers and patrons, along with several other restrictions. I suspect this is the major reason for the closing. It is my understanding from what I have observed and from other news sources that Missouri strip club traffic has been horrendous since the law took effect. From the reports I have seen quoted (I don't know if it is supported with solid facts), MO strip club traffic was down 80%. The clubs in Missouri have mainly converted to bikini and pastie bars, to remain open and attempt to comply with the new law, but have lost dancers and patrons to srip clubs in neighboring states. I am from KC and most often go to Kansas strip clubs where you can get more value for your money. The strip clubs in Missouri did not lower their prices/cover after the new law took effect, so they could not compete with neighboring states offering more for the same price.

2. Location. I don't think this was ever a really good location for a strip club, as it is not the highest traffic area, and is a ways off the interstate. Even though it is only about a mile from Harrah's Casino, the normal route to Harrah's does not take you past Diamond Joe's to visit the casino, unless you live in this particular direction. Other businesses on Chouteau have also closed (I noticed the used car dealers seem to be out of business), which I suspect could also be caused by the location. The location is the only SC north of the river, so that is the one aspect of the location that could be positive, but I think this area is mostly traveled by the locals.

3. Offered nothing special. Except for being located in the Northland, I don't think there was anything particularly inviting, interesting or special about this club. Reading the reviews on the club, Diamond Joe's seemed to be mainly a no-touch club already.

4. The recession. Enough said. With layoffs, etc. the dollars had to harder to come by.

Somebody needs to keep a tally of the Missouri closures. Do you know any more? When the lawmakers introduced the Missouri bill they said they believed it would not hurt these businesses that opposed it. I think they knew better!! This is exactly what they wanted.