Last Call Coming Soon To Strip Clubs?

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Written by: 195 on Mar 5, 2010

Big changes could be on the way for area strip clubs.

A judge's ruling this week may mean the clock is ticking toward last call.

For more than two years Shelby County has had an ordinance on the books that would radically change the way adult-oriented businesses operate.

But a court order, blocked that law from ever being enforced. Now, the end of that legal battle could be near.

County ordinance 344 wouldn't shut down adult oriented establishes outright, but Shelby County Commissioner Mike Ritz says the changes would be huge.

"They will not any longer operated the way they've been operating," said Ritz smiling.

First, strip clubs, adult bookstores and adult theaters would have to get a county license. All owners of the establishments and workers would have to be licensed, and pass criminal background checks. The ordinance also lays down the law when it comes to lap dances.

Entertainers would have stay at least six feet away from customers and other employees. Clubs would also go dry meaning no liquor nor beer could be consumed anywhere on the property.

In 2008 operators of seven Memphis strip clubs sued to block the ordinance, and got an injunction to keep the county from enforcing it. They argue, the laws would, "Unconstitutionally diminish the availability of sexually candid dance performances."

With this week's announcement that the US Court of Appeals isn't buying the argument, the only appeal left would be to the US Supreme Court. But the county's attorney in the case says, he plans to ask a judge next week to allow the county to begin enforcing the changes.

"We're pretty confident, (but) don't know, that the local judge might let us go ahead and enforce the code because of the slim chance the Supreme Court would ever take a case like this," said Ritz.

The proposed changes were met with mixed reaction from people along Beale Street.

"The sooner the better," said Terry Mobley of Memphis. "The sooner the better. It needs to set a better example for the city."

"It's horrible," Ann Deeter of Dayton, Ohio said of the law. "If you can't drink and can't enjoy what you're seeing, then why go?"

Ritz believes the changes will probably shut down some of the clubs.

We tried talking with employees at five different businesses that would be affected. They told us they either couldn't or wouldn't comment.

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