VOLDOSTA, GA – Facing a new ordinance that would impose a host of restrictions on adult businesses in the area, one local businessman took his case to the Valdosta City Council at a meeting last Thursday.Valdosta’s proposed ordinance, similar to legislation that has been introduced across the nation in recent years, restricts the sale and consumption of alcohol at adult entertainment establishments and would prohibit such establishments from conducting business within 1000 feet of residential areas, governmental buildings, schools, churches, parks, public recreation facilities, playgrounds, the central downtown business district, and the Valdosta Historic District, according to a report in The Valdosta Daily Times.
Robert Hooks, the manager of Club Paradise, said language in the proposed ordinance stating that criminal activities occur at adult venues “slaps me in the face because I’m not a criminal and I manage a decent club.”
“I love meeting people. People from all over the world go to my club,” said Hooks. “They want entertainment, we supply entertainment.”
Hooks added that when it comes to enforcing the rules, “We’re the toughest club in town.”
Hooks said that Club Paradise, which does permit patrons under legal drinking age, employs a strict ID policy, placing wristbands on customers who are under 21 and supplying those over 21 with a paper card that must be presented when ordering alcoholic beverages.
The club takes other precautions to avoid problems, Hooks said, noting that the club has “no VIP or private rooms,” and that women are not permitted in the club without a male “escort.”
Hooks said there hasn’t been a significant incident of any kind at Club Paradise in the last nine years and there has never been a fight or killing at the club.
Arguing that the council should carefully consider the impact of their ordinance on businesses like his, Hooks asked council members to visit Club Paradise themselves in advance of their impending vote on the measure.
At least one councilman appeared to be receptive to Hooks’ arguments; according to the Daily Times, Councilman David Sumner asked whether a provision could be made to “grandfather” Club Paradise, so that the club could continue to serve alcohol.
The city council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance at its September 21th meeting.
