Missing Permit Does What Others Can’t: Shut Down a New Strip Club

The Imperial Showgirls strip club’s opening was not as grand as its owners, LeRoy and Glenn Smith, hoped it would be.

One dancer briefly performed for a lone customer before the doors of Pico Rivera’s first adult business closed soon after opening at 5:30 p.m. Friday while several hundreds protested outside.

The owners agreed to shut down for the night to comply with the Los Angeles County fire inspectors’ safety code. They anticipate reopening Monday after an inspection is conducted.

“This is our 1st Amendment right to be here,” said Glenn Smith, 48. “The same way it is their 1st Amendment right to protest.”

The club, which still has the marquee of the previous business, is not welcomed in the city, even though a federal court judge ruled Feb. 19 that it could stay.

The club first opened Jan. 7 but shut down three days later because city officials discovered that it was operating without permits and within a city zone that did not allow adult-oriented businesses.

In the February ruling, U.S. District Judge Dickran Tevrizian said the club could open because it was unconstitutional to not allow a business to operate and voided the city zoning ordinance.

The judge also ruled that the club owners had 10 days to receive all proper licenses and permits.

On Friday, Pico Rivera Councilman David Armenta said the club does not have the required permits, prompting a call to the county fire inspectors.

Roger Jon Diamond, the Smiths’ attorney, said building plans have been filed, a health inspection was made, and only one more inspection needs to be made. The inspection to receive a certificate of occupancy will be done Monday, he said.

“We’ve done everything to get this place opened,” Diamond said. “But every city does the same thing when you open up a strip club.”

The full-nude, 18-and-over club will have security guards and will not serve alcohol. It is not the first time the Smiths have ventured into the adult entertainment industry. The brothers own another Imperial Showgirls in Anaheim and are involved with other adult establishments.

Late last year, the Smiths purchased the Pico Rivera property, which was once a billiard hall in the 9300 block of Slauson Avenue.

“Americans have choices,” said Diamond, a legal expert in adult-oriented business. “Some choose to watch artistic, erotic striptease dancing and some do not.”

Throughout Friday, about 300 people marched and shouted outside the club. Some protesters brought their children.

“We don’t need a strip club,” shouted 16-year-old Carina Farias, encouraging passing motorists to honk their horns. “This is only going to cause problems.”

City officials, religious leaders and residents, calling themselves “the unwelcoming committee,” protested along Slauson. They vowed to picket and protest every day until the club is run out of town.

Joining residents at Friday’s protests were Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) and 58th Assembly District candidate Chuck Fuentes.

“This will not be a successful business endeavor for the owners,” Fuentes said. “We will picket until they are gone.”

Sammie Ramirez, 42, skipped work so she and her 18-year-old son, Louis, could attend the protest.

“Just over there is a McDonald’s play area,” said Ramirez as she held a sign reading “No Nudes.” “The owners do not care about the residents of this city.”