That would be Rosie's pick for the evening....
Posted on 05/20/2007 10:20:08 AM PDT by Eric Blair 2084
The Houston Police Department's Vice Squad is putting together plans to start raiding dozens of the city's sexually oriented businesses. That crackdown, 11 News has learned, could begin within weeks. Owners of more than 120 topless clubs, modeling studios and adults bookstores in Houston will soon receive a two-page letter from the city's Legal Department. The letter says the businesses are in violation of the city's sexually oriented business ordinance; too close to neighborhoods, schools or parks. The City of Houston has spent more than $1.3 million in court costs over the last decade fighting to enforce this ordinance. Now, it appears HPD might soon take action. "Captain [Steve] Jett and the vice division have been working on an enforcement plan," said Don Cheatham, General Counsel for the city's Legal Department. "At this point I would tell you I'm not privy to it. But I would expect some action in a period of weeks." Owners and operators of the targeted businesses could face up to a $4,000 dollar fine and a year in jail unless they close down or move. Neither attorneys nor owners for several establishments returned our phone calls. But they're reportedly not giving up their legal fight.
(Excerpt) Read more at khou.com ...
I knew you were joking - I’m just shocked at the police in Houston busting these clubs, I thought this was where some of them hung out for coffee breaks.
It is my understanding that Houston doesn’t have zoning so one of these clubs could pop up in just about anyone’s back yard?
I guess all the katrina Victims Visa cards ran out
Well...yes...but this is what all the news is about...the City of Houston passed new regulations to restrict where these businesses can conduct business....
DISCLAIMER: I do not visit these places....but I must respect their right to free enterprise. I do not lose sleep over their current predicament, but can see where the same pressure can be used to limit other businesses, such as the actions the City of Chicago implemented against Walmart......
>>This debate should be more fun than the Strip Clubs themselves. And that is saying something. There’s nothing like a Texas strip club!<<
So what are the distinguishing features of a Texas strip club.
So the City of Houston does know what zoning means, but only uses it when it suits them?
According to the article, Houston has an ordinance that states where strip clubs are allowed.
Not at all. You had one example of one club that is folded into an upscale business area. Not the norm at all. Drive around and see where all the strip clubs are located. If the areas aren't already seedy and full of human 'vermin', drive around again in 6 months. 99.9% of them will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods they are in or around.
Like I've said, if you want one in your neighborhood, have at it. But not in MY neighborhood.
I think that ordinance was only passed in 1997. I honestly don’t care what happens to these clubs, but believe the club was there prior to the ordinance.
Z-Visa.
Oh, wait, I have that confused with a different sexual act...
I am NOT a supporter of strip joints....I only stated a fact. If you want more examples, the Houston Chronicle has 9 more high volume men's clubs in todays edition....
They generate a total of $260,144,341 in liquore sales, $36,420,208 in State Taxes, and $3,902,170 in local taxes annually....
Guess who will replace this revenue when they are shut down?
None of the neighborhoods associated suffer property value problems...unless, and I say unless.....they are very close to the building or parking lot. These places normally have lot security that tolerate no mischief....It's bad for business!!!!!
I believe the real culprit of property devaluations is the low-budget, back-street barrooms, and drug dens that dot city landscapes everywhere....
All they have to do is relocate. Yeah, it'll cost money, but if they are making all that revenue, they can afford it.
That would be Rosie's pick for the evening....
Two things, two words: ALL NUDE (Tastefully done of course)and LIQUOR LICENCE ($8 per drink). Plus the women who work there have a certain friendly southern charm.
I'm a Dallas Cowboy fan, so I get down to the DFW Metroplex a couple of times a year for games with some friends. We go out to some Gentlemans Clubs in the Dallas area whenever we're there. I've always divided the guys who go to strip clubs into different categories:
NOT OK: Hanging out in a strip club every day at 11 AM...by yourself.
OK: Going to a strip club with friends or business associates a few times a year between 8-2 AM
NOT OK: Racking up a $110,000 AMEX bill there and not remembering how it happened the next morning
OK: Dropping $200-$1,000 in cash
NOT OK: Hanging around outside the strip club at 4 AM as it empties out and arguing with somebody because he "dissed your posse"
OK: Taking a taxi home to the hotel
It is not "IF they are making all that revenue"...they are..... They are located near some of the best hotels & shopping areas....business travel & expense accounts fuel these establishments.
As much as I dislike this particular business, I must admit there is a market for it and I simply do not subscribe to the forced relocation of any legitimate business based on government edict or political whim. We now understand gubment control of smoking, transfat, and adult entertainment..... The Taliban understand this type of control and use it rather effectively....
I will err on the side of FREEDOM everytime......
Then they'll have no trouble paying to relocate.
I will err on the side of FREEDOM everytime
Good - then any that try to locate in my neighborhood, I will politely point them in your direction.
Here is something to ponder.....many of these places have been in the same location for more than 20 years....
People chose to purchase property near them....the properietors did not put a gun to their heads...they were willing buyers of property near a sexually oriented business.
One more thing the distance the establishments must be from a neighborhood has increased from no separation to 1,000 feet and now the city is increasing the distance to 1,500 feet... This is called moving the goal posts.....
Again, is it a legitimate business of not? Is it private property or not? I don't care for the business type, but will always support property rights.... When they come for your property rights will there be anyone to support you?
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