NEENAH, Wis. - A local strip club that has twice been exempted by the county board from new adult-oriented regulations is back in the news again. According to a report, the city board has twice voted to approve a revised adult entertainment ordinance proposed by the county, but not before adding an exemption that would let Stars Cabaret to continue operating with no changes. The club has been allowed to serve alcohol and provide nude dancing, as well as sit closer to residential areas than is permitted by current zoning regulations.
Though the local Planning and Zoning Committee have stayed steadfast against the exemption, some town supervisors supported it because they believe Stars is more acceptable and has created fewer problems than previous businesses, according to a report by The Northwestern.
The local Planning and Zoning Committee has attempted to pass a revised adult measure, without giving Stars Cabaret exemption. The committee will send the measure to the Winnebago County Board for consideration nest week, and a final decision is expected by Aug. 21.
"The single major issue that Stars is concerned about is the sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises," County Board supervisor John Schaidler, Planning and Zoning Committee chairman, told The Northwestern.
The existing ordinance prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol within 2,000 feet of a residential zone. According to the report, the new proposal would create a 600-foot setback from residences, and would exempt Stars Cabaret from the setback requirement but not the alcohol issue.
"It would allow them to stay there but it would not allow them to continue to use liquor if they wanted to have adult entertainment there," County Corporation Counsel John Bodnar told The Northwestern.
As they stand, the city's current zoning restrictions provide virtually no commercially zoned locations in the county where a strip club can legally operate.
Stars Cabaret has filed a lawsuit against the county, claiming that the restrictions are unconstitutional.
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