tuscl

City wins power to shut down strip clubs that flout New York zoning rules

Saturday, April 17, 2010 7:47 PM
The city has won another victory in its quest to regulate smut shops, beating back a challenge from strip clubs. A decision issued Friday gives the city the power to shut down topless bars that are just paying lip service to zoning rules. City regulations require that X-rated businesses be confined to special zones. Stores outside those zones can't have more than 40% adult material. The city says many sex-related shops stocked G-rated stuff to meet the letter of the law - while their main focus was porn. A judge had already agreed inspectors could go after video and book stores that fell into that category. The new ruling allows them to force 20 clubs out of residential neighborhoods. Read more: [view link]

5 comments

  • Dudester
    •
    14 years ago
    Today's business climate requires out of the box thinking. I'm not a club owner, but here's an idea- The bottom floor will be a Hooters style establishment with cute waitresses in sexy costumes-and a gift shop selling T shirts, calendars, etc. Upstairs will be an upscale strip joint. A bonus will be the cute waitress who says, with a wink, "I'll be upstairs from 2 to 6. See me."
  • deogol
    •
    14 years ago
    Good idea Dudester, but you won't see a stripper working for waitress pay. They have trouble showing up for the good paying job much less a waitress job! Until the next revolution comes, we will have to get by with the government telling us to take our shoes off when they want us to, pay higher (local) taxes and bullshit like parking tickets that cost hundreds of dollars, what we can eat (and you are welcome to eat fatty foods or smoke if you are willing to pay for your freedom to do so - thats a tax if it isn't clear.)
  • sanitago
    •
    14 years ago
    dudester, the way things are, I don't think your idea would fly. if the inspectors can check out the entire place (and city inspectors usually can), then they'd know that the upper floor was being used for activities that are outside of the zoning code. then they just sweep in and shut them down.
  • samsung1
    •
    14 years ago
    I would be interested in going to strip clubs that have more than just the floor level. Increasing land size will increase their property tax but I believe increasing the building in height will not affect property tax. Dreamgirls in Columbus has a second level floor but it is the $275/30 min VIP suites. I would not mind going up there but finding a dancer to take with me is a challenge at a dive like dreamgirls.
  • Tucker40
    •
    14 years ago
    Been to strip clubs with more than one level (several old Baltimore clubs and at least one Tampa club that's no longer around). Property taxes however are based on the improved value of the land and building so a multi-level building with increased value would impact their taxes.
You must be a member to leave a comment.Join Now
Got something to say?
Start your own discussion