GLENDALE : City Drops Legal Action Over Show

Glendale’s city attorney decided Wednesday to drop legal action against Chuy’s Restaurant & Bar for allegedly violating its entertainment permit by showcasing lunchtime modeling of lingerie.

“We’re not going to seek a fine. We’re not going to seek court action,” said Scott H. Howard. “We have no further meetings scheduled.”

Howard’s decision came after a 20-minute meeting with Chuy’s owner, Michael C. Loftis. Loftis, who could have faced six months in County Jail or a $500 fine, or both if convicted, didn’t return phone messages Wednesday.

Located at The Exchange in downtown Glendale, the restaurant was cited by undercover police officers July 19. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency had received complaints from Exchange businesses and patrons about Chuy’s lingerie modeling show--held between noon and 1:15 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Police were called to investigate the shows and eventually learned that Chuy’s entertainment permit did not list lingerie modeling as one of its activities. After the citation was issued, the shows were discontinued.

Loftis was ordered to appear for a conference with Howard on Wednesday to discuss the citation.

Meanwhile, the owner has applied for a new entertainment permit that includes “modeling of swimwear and lingerie.” The request is being reviewed by various city departments before the city clerk’s office makes a final decision.

Howard has yet to review the application, but police officials have already recommended against its approval.

Loftis’ cooperation with city officials and his application for a new entertainment permit were factors that Howard considered in dropping the citation.

“He has exhibited his desire to comply with city regulation,” Howard said. “Our general policy in this office . . . is to meet with the business owner and work out code violation problems before resorting to court action.”