Welcome to Sign in | Join | Help
in
Home Blogs Forums Photos Calendar

Speak Up! Memphis

Strip Club Controversy: City vs. County

Turf war... or are Memphis city leaders just looking out for Memphis' best interest. A proposed ordinance in Memphis City Council will regulate sexually-oriented businesses.

Shelby County has already adopted a sexually-oriented business ordinance, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2008. The County's ordinance has tougher restrictions than the City's proposal, including:

  • Every dancer now has to have a work permit in order to dance. If the dancers have been found guilty of a crime in the last few years, they will not be able to get a license. If they already have a license, but is convicted of a crime, the license will be revoked. If officials find an employee working without a permit, they club could be shut down.
  • No adult business will allow beer or alcohol. Club patrons cannot bring their own alcohol, nor will it be sold inside businesses. If the rule is violated, the club will lose their permit.

The City of Memphis' ordinance is more relaxed. The sale of alcohol inside businesses will be allowed, but customers cannot bring their own alcohol into the establishment. The Mayor's office says selling alcohol is good for tax revenue. Right now, the money generated from licenses and permits will go into County coffers, but there are no strip clubs outside Memphis city limits.

The City's ordinance also would allow topless dancing, while the County prohibits nudity of any kind.

What do you think about the City's proposed ordinance? It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.

Published Tuesday, November 27, 2007 6:00 PM by APhillips

Comments

 

Steve said:

The city's plan is right.The county's plan is called a "baptist church".
November 27, 2007 10:02 PM
 

myangel said:

Of course the city mayor is all about revenue from the sell of alcohol in these establishments! That will also mean more money in HIS pocket! These clubs are immoral. If that means baptist church to you, then maybe you need to step inside those church doors every now and then. I am not a "holy roller" by any means, but I would like to think that we are here in an attempt to please God.
November 28, 2007 3:04 AM
 

TheNewMrsH said:

Here we go again!  It's all about the money and what the mayor wants!  Isn't this the man who said he would decrease the crime in our city?  If he is so concerned about revenue, why didn't he refuse his last raise, or the last several for that matter???  Isn't this the man who has also been seen spending tax dollars in Miss, instead of his hometown?  Since the arrest of Lunati's clubs early this year, crime has apparently been down in the clubs (or at least not reported).  Once they start opening, adding the existing ones, we will be right back where we started.  These clubs have proven track records of crimes from drugs, prostitution and links to violent crimes associated with them, be it employees or patrons.  IF these clubs must exist, at least the county's ordinance is stricter.  The city's allows too much.  You put bait in front of a fish and it bites!!!  Liquor adds fuel to an already existing fire!!!  If the city oridance is allowed, the next criminal charge in these clubs should also include the city officals who voted for it in the indictment!!!!
November 28, 2007 3:51 AM
 

East Memphis said:

There was a time I would have thought the county's plan was draconian.  That was before the strip clubs openly had sex shows, prostitution, and money laundering right in front of the many police and deputies who frequent them.

The sex shows and prostitution you expect along with some minor drug sales, the money laundering ought to be at least hidden or cost the people money.  It was out in the open and the clubs make money on it.

When a stranger can walk in and "charge" 100 dollars to a "sale" (not cash advance) for the club (launder 100 dollars) and walk out with 90 of it right in front of the police and deputies the corruption and graft cannot be controlled.

Close them.
November 28, 2007 8:53 AM
 

coreyology said:

I wonder if a dancer gets fired, can they get unemployed, the love of money is the root of all evil and mayor herenton has plucked it by its roots, why would anyone allow strip clubs in their city anyways, it should be banned period, make these women who loves to dance for a living, work with their hands and minds for a living, because strip clubs is basically legal prostitution, I have no respect for a woman who does that.
November 28, 2007 11:30 AM
 

Marshwiggle said:

Shut them all down!
November 28, 2007 11:57 AM
 

gogogogo said:

I agree with what the councilman said, it is not the job of the government to push their morality on the people.  drugs and prostitution were around in Memphis long before the strip clubs came in.  People around here seem to want something to point a finger at when there are problems.
November 28, 2007 12:48 PM
 

missy m said:

I think the county has the better idea. They are more concerned with morality and family. That's why there is so much more crime in the city than in the county. I would love to see all the strip clubs shut down and maybe replace them with something to keep kids off the streets!
December 6, 2007 1:22 PM
 

Bartlettman said:

is topless dancing ok in a private home?    if not I need to take that pole down!
December 11, 2007 12:09 PM
 

AmandaMommyof1 said:

pole dancing isn't dirty or trashy. Its an art...most of the time. This girl is proof.  (yes, she is fully clothed)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6KnUW9N3Zo
December 16, 2007 9:55 AM
 

Bartlettman said:

That you amanda?
December 18, 2007 7:49 AM
 

AmandaMommyof1 said:

lol   I wish. Her body is just down right sick. In a good way. I've been told that the whole pole dance requires A LOT of muscle. As you can tell from her muscle tone. I would consider having one put in my house for the work out benefits, if nothing else. But if a woman has as much skill as she did, I respect the art.  (yeah, i said ART.)
December 19, 2007 12:54 PM
 

Bartlettman said:

I do not know art, but I know what I like
December 19, 2007 1:27 PM
Anonymous comments are disabled

This Blog

Post Calendar

<November 2007>
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
28293031123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
2526272829301
2345678

Syndication
Copyright 2007 Clear Channel Television
Powered by Community Server, by Telligent Systems
Inergize Digital Media This site powered by Inergize Digital Media. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of this station.