Judge Allowing Liquor, Tobacco Sales At 4 French Quarter Strip Clubs Despite ATC Suspension

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Four French Quarter strip clubs can resume selling cigarettes and booze and after a New Orleans judge temporarily blocked a state agency's order revoking the liquor and tobacco licenses.
         Civil District Judge Regina Woods on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order allowing The Mansion on Bourbon, Centerfolds and Lipstixx to resume selling alcohol and tobacco about 24 hours after the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control revoked their licenses. Agency Commissioner Troy Hebert said she granted a similar order Thursday for Chez Joey.
         There's been no action regarding Dixie Divas, he said.
         Hebert pulled the licenses after an undercover investigation found prostitution, drug sales and lewd or improper acts occurring at the French Quarter clubs. After the judge's ruling, he said: "New Orleans is going to have to make a decision — does it want law and order or does it want to be like the Wild Wild West?"
         Herbert said he previously suspended the licenses pending an administrative hearing at which the clubs can present their cases, but they could stay open without selling alcohol or tobacco.
         A hearing on judge's temporary order will be held next week.
         Hebert said the order "sends a horrible message to the rest of the state and country. But this is far from over with, I promise you."
         – by AP Reporter Chevel Johnson

 

 

Digital Sponsors / Become a Sponsor

Follow the issues, companies and people that matter most to business in New Orleans.

Email Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter