PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — Two strip clubs in Prince George’s County can feature nude entertainment for at least a little bit longer, thanks to the recent decision of U.S. District Court Judge Marvin J. Garbis.At issue had been the Prince George’s Liquor Control Board’s ban on nudity and sexual displays in establishments that serve alcohol. Garbis’ decision grants a preliminary injunction against the ban, which was the hope of the owners of the Legend Night Club in Temple Hills and Classics in Camp Springs, which had sought to have the restriction overturned.
“The law is biased,” Kevin Schwapp, owner of Legend Night Club stated after Garbis’ decision was announced. Schwapp’s club, which has been in operation for 13 years, was affected by the law when it was passed last year and became effective in October. “One day I’m one of the clubs licensed to have exotic entertainment,” he observed, noting that once the law was passed, that number dropped to two – both of which are politically connected. The two clubs, which were exempt from the law, are the Hangar Club in Temple Hills, which is owned by a corporation called Buck-Ups Inc., and the Ebony Inn in Fairmount Heights, which is owned by former state senator Tommie Broadwater Jr. The law required the county liquor board to revoke the license of any other club that offered both alcohol and nude entertainment.
“I think it’s a sad day for all those in Prince George’s who value their quality of life,” Del. Justin Ross (D-Prince George’s) announced after Garbis’ decision. Ross insists that the state has a right to restrict clubs. “If we give it, we can take it,” he said, referring to business licenses.
The battle over alcohol in establishments that offer adult entertainment is nothing new in Prince George’s. In 2003 the County Council attempted to ban full nudity in public places, established distance requirements between performers and customers, and required both strip clubs and their management to be licensed. Criminal penalties awaited any who violated the proposed law. When several club owners threatened litigation, the bill was withdrawn.
The same County Council commissioned an impact study last year, ostensibly in order to determine how adult businesses and illegal nightclubs affect surrounding areas. This has been increasingly an issue as businesses have been established in garages, warehouses, and storefronts in addition to strip clubs.
