Update : Follow-up on the news : SANTA ANA : Nude Club Sues City for Sign Enforcement
The nightclub formerly known as Paddy Murphy’s has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that it has been singled out for enforcement action for posting a sign advertising nude entertainment.
The suit, filed last week in Orange County Superior Court, alleges that the city is aware of hundreds of signs that do not meet city standards but has chosen to crack down on the strip club, now called Ecstasy.
Ecstasy attorney Ronald Talmo said that his client’s constitutional right to equal protection under the law has been violated. The lawsuit asks for more than $500,000 in damages.
A city inspector reportedly found two code violations during a recent visit, but Talmo would not say whether his client’s sign is permitted.
“People are hesitant to patronize the business because they are unsure what will happen to them if they are inside when the government agents appear,” Talmo said.
Assistant City Atty. Robert J. Wheeler said the city will vigorously defend itself against the action.
Wheeler said that Ecstasy has not been singled out and that he files complaints against about 50 businesses every year for not complying with city codes. He said about 20 complaints have been filed so far this year.
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