Proposed Law on Adult Businesses Draws Criticism

A proposed adult entertainment law is drawing fire from Hawthorne residents who contend that the city went too far in its attempt to stave off a 1st Amendment lawsuit by repealing a ban on nude entertainers touching patrons.

The proposed ordinance also allows adult businesses to extend their hours to 4 a.m., dim interior lighting and advertise their establishments on signs visible from the Century Freeway. Although the ordinance calls for barriers between performers and patrons, it does not restrict fondling.

City Manager Bud Cormier said the proposed ordinance was drafted to conform with state law that he said allows clubs that do not sell liquor to stay open beyond 2 a.m and does not restrict their code of conduct. Bare Elegance, the only strip club in the city, does not sell liquor and has asked that its hours be extended.

Residents are angry because the ordinance goes beyond the extended hours requested by Bare Elegance. The club, which has been open for more than 20 years, asked that its hours of operation be extended from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Because the state does not monitor conduct at establishments that do not sell alcohol, the city has proposed that the municipal code prohibiting performers from touching patrons be eliminated.

John Weston, an attorney representing the strip club, said the club requested permission last May to stay open until 4 a.m. after the city accused club owners of violating the law.

“It’s not our intent to stop the 1st Amendment rights of any business in the city,” said Councilwoman Ginny Lambert, “but I don’t think broadening the ordinance is necessary.”

Residents are concerned that the new ordinance will bring prostitutes and encourage other adult businesses to open.

“This will allow adult businesses in the city to proliferate,” said resident Jerry Jamgotchian. “The passage of this ordinance will turn Hawthorne into Whorethorne.”