NEWPORT BEACH : City Sues to Bar Nude Theater, Topless Bar
The city has filed a lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction against the owner of Paddy Murphy’s topless bar in Santa Ana, who wants to open a similar bar in Newport Beach near John Wayne Airport.
The lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court seeks to stop An Nguyen from opening a topless bar because it will include private theaters where customers can watch nude dancing. Theaters are barred from that area under the local zoning code, said city officials.
On that basis, the City Council last month voted to reject Nguyen’s application for a live entertainment permit for the establishment, which would be called Mermaids and would serve alcohol and food.
Despite that vote, Nguyen has continued renovating the business. His attorney, Ron Talmo, said Nguyen does indeed plan to open the club despite the city’s objections. Talmo also said his client will challenge the city’s rejection of the permits.
Talmo has maintained that city officials can’t prevent the opening of Mermaids just because they don’t want an adult entertainment business in the city. As long as Mermaids is in compliance with local ordinances, it has a right to do business, Talmo has said.
In a recent meeting with city officials, Nguyen has agreed not to open the club before the March 29 court hearing date.
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