Council Passes New Rules for Strip Clubs
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Updated: 7:30 AM Jan 8, 2009
Council Passes New Rules for Strip Clubs
Destin city officials are revising their view on topless nightclubs. The city has now passed an ordinance making it more difficult for the Oasis to follow through on the plans.
Posted: 7:30 AM Jan 8, 2009
Reporter: Alex Denis
Email Address: Alex.Denis@wjhg.com
Destin Topless Club
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Destin city officials are revising their view on topless nightclubs. The move came after the management of the Oasis Pool Hall in Destin applied for a business license in November to feature a nude dancing venue.

The city denied the request citing city zoning laws, so bar managers filed a federal lawsuit. The city has now passed an ordinance making it more difficult for the Oasis to follow through on the plans.

Managers at the Oasis Pool Hall aren't giving up hope that their business will eventually be an adult entertainment club, but Destin city officials say they are doing everything in their power to make sure that never happens.

Earlier this week the city council passed an ordinance that prohibits the sale of alcohol in adult venues. It also limits the hours of operation, and requires a six foot buffer between entertainers and clients.

Greg Kisela, Destin city manager, said, "What that does is reduces the secondary adverse affects from an adult industry in our community."

An example of an adverse affect is the increase of unreported crime. The city has also hired a lawyer from Orlando, who officials say, is the premier attorney for these types of cases.

Some local business owners who have shops next to the oasis bar say they've been following the actions of city officials very closely.

Philip Carroll, a Local business owner, said, "I think they jumped right on it and stayed right with it the whole time. They made it a number one priority."

The bar owner's attorney agrees with local business owners and says he hopes all parties can reach a compromise.

"We are trying to work closely with the city planners, city management. And it's our firm belief that the city needs at least one strip club to withstand constitutional challenges down the road."

Destin's city manager disagrees.

"We don't agree that we have to have one to demonstrate that we're protective of the freedom of speech."

City officials expect the legal battle will wind up in court in mid-February.
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