Voters Will Get Their Say on Where Strip Clubs Can Do Business in Oregon

If approved, the measure would change Oregon law and allow local regulation of alcohol and zoning, to restrict the location and operation of strip clubs and strip acts.

(SALEM) - Former Republican State Party Chairman and Gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix is leading a charge of Oregonians fed-up with Oregon’s unrestrictive laws on the location and operation of strip clubs and strip acts in the state.

Mannix, along with Faye Wright Neighborhood Association Chairperson Julia Allison and prominent Salem realtor Marge Houck, have formed a Political Action Committee called Oregonians Protecting Neighborhoods, and filed an initiative petition last month with the Secretary of State.

The group formed after Allison, the Salem City Council, and hundreds of Salem residents battled a local business owner from opening a strip club in a residential area in south Salem.

On August 28th, the city council voted unanimously to send an unfavorable liquor license recommendation to the OLCC for the following reasons:

"The club will be located within 500 feet in a urban or suburban areas or within 1,500 feet in a rural area of the boundary (measured property line to property line) of a licensed child care facility or elementary or secondary school; a church; a hospital; nursing care facility or convalescent care facility; a park or children-oriented recreational facility; and alcohol and other drug treatment or rehabilitation facility and will adversely impact the facility."

Chairman Brad Nanke also claimed that according to ORS 471.313, the applicant is not of good repute and moral character.

The Board felt the presence of a park and possibly other facilities set out in OAR 845-005-0326(2)(a) within the 500-foot boundary of property line was grounds for denial of the license, and that the applicant’s moral character, Frank Boussad, who owns Big Shots Bar & Broiler in North Salem, is planning on opening Presley's Playhouse Cabaret in the former Mike's Steakhouse, 3803 Commercial St. SE should be examined.

OLCC spokesman Ken Palke said the unfavorable recommendation from the city will mean that the liquor application will receive more scrutiny.

However, the city will have to show there's a negative aspect to that business being located near a park or business that caters to kids, Palke said.

Allison says media coverage of the fight between neighbors, the city, and nearby business owners, with Frank Boussad, over his proposed Presley's Playhouse Cabaret in the former Mike's Steakhouse, had people calling and writing her asking what they could do to prevent the same thing from happening in their neighborhoods.

“Positive response to our fight over the strip club came from all parts of the state” Allison said. “People wanted to find a way to protect their neighborhoods from these types of businesses, so we put our heads together and this will give the citizens of this state a chance to put a stop to these types of businesses opening near schools, parks, and other children-oriented businesses” she said.

The Oregon Constitution currently prohibits government restrictions on nude-dancing establishments based on the expressive nature of the activities occurring there.

The groups proposed ballot measure would change that, by adding the following section to Article XV of the Oregon Constitution:

1. State, county, and city governments may use alcohol regulatory authority to restrict the location and operation of any strip club and any strip act, to the extent allowed under the United States Constitution.

A. “Strip club” means an establishment where a person or persons who is nude or partially nude, or who become nude or partially nude, appears before one or more patrons of the establishment.

B. “Strip act” means a performance where a person or persons appears nude or partially nude, or who becomes nude or partially nude, before one or more patrons of a club or business enterprise, or before one or more members of the public.

3. The Legislative Assembly, each county and each city is authorized to establish more detailed definitions of a strip club or strip act, as necessary to implement this Section or as necessary to ensure that this Section does not restrict constitutional rights under the United States Constitution.

4. It is the intention of the people that a good faith and common sense interpretation and application of this Section shall occur. This Section is not intended to extend matters not commonly viewed as strip clubs or strip acts, such as a model appearing before a legitimate artist or a legitimate stage performance which includes an element of nudity.

5. This Section is intended to have supremacy as to this topic: state, county, and city regulatory authority over strip clubs and strip acts. It is intended to allow Oregon to adopt alcohol regulatory restrictions and zoning restrictions as to strip clubs and strip acts which have been adopted in many other states, and which meet United State Constitutional standards.

Oregon Attorney General Hardy Meyers has drafted a preliminary ballot title that reads: “Amends Constitution, allows state, local governments, to restrict location and operation of “strip clubs” and “strip acts”.

Last week, both the Oregon ACLU and Portland law firm Davis, Wright and Tremaine filed a legal objections to the AG’s preliminary ballot title.

They would like the ballot title to read: “Limits free expression”, amends Constitution, allows state, local governments, to restrict location and operation of “strip clubs” and “strip acts”.

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EQ ME October 3, 2006 3:15 am (Pacific time)

Who are you to decide what is immoral? Many things were illegal or against the law in Germany from 1933-1945 but just because something is against the law does not make it wrong. Get rid of old archaic law.

Me October 2, 2006 11:02 pm (Pacific time)

I don't unsult you or call names because I don't need to. I say what I believe happens to be opposite of you. You want to blow up? I understand. Why don't you think about the consequences of immoral illegal behavior for others not just what you want. See? No insult no names.

Albert Marnell October 2, 2006 9:56 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Julia, I grew up in an upscale area with beautiful trees, houses and all the rest. Very peaceful and special....on the outside. The most abuse that my peers experienced was in their own homes. I was shocked by what my friends told me happened behind the close doors of an ideal suburb. The abuse put on the children (now in their 40s and 50s) blew my mind. When I told them the truth about what went on in my house they almost dropped dead. I grew up with kids that bonded tightly because we were afraid of our parents. Sexual things not only did not bother any of us (including the girls) but we found it to be fun and exciting to find a playboy magazine or an 8mm film in someone's father's desk. I can not remember one of us at any age that got upset about sex. We loved to talk about it and would laugh or be excited about anything sexual that we could get our hands on. Even when there were flashers in the neigborhood, none of the girls got upset because the men would not try to abduct them. They used to laugh their heads off at these guys until the parents instilled a hysteria in them along with the police being at their homes and asking them detailed questions. I am not big on sexual morality. I believe that children should be protected from adults. I was always warned by my grandparents that I might be the next Lindbergh child. We were afraid of kidnappers that could hold us for ransom. We were not afraid of adults that were sexually out of control. They were clowns to us. The same people that do not want a strip club near their homes also do not want gay bars but seem to have a tolerance for straight bars (I never have figured that one out). I guess in the end the community will vote. Because I do not live near one of these places it is hard for me to comment but I do wish that there were night clubs for adults near where I live now because I hate driving and get bored as hell sometimes and want a place to be with different people. There is no right or wrong here. It is a personal preference. Maybe the world has changed but as a kid we were never afraid or even thought of sexual predators, we were worried about being kidnapped for money. That was the thing back then that children needed protection from, so it is hard for me to relate to this sex stuff.

Anonymous October 2, 2006 8:43 pm (Pacific time)

A KATU Poll of 500 registred voters found that 56 percent would vote in favor, 34 percent would vote no, and 10 were unsure.

Julia A. October 2, 2006 7:11 pm (Pacific time)

Al....I do agree with you, and right near the strip club is Mcd. DQ and so on. I dont believe that is such a moral issue. Lets take on keeping strip clubs out of neighborhoods to start with, and then when cities can decide where to put these clubs...maybe then they will decide on the location of fast foods....!Do you have children? Would you rather have a Burger King or a strip club around the corner from your home? This proposed club is near a park...day care, and once we let one of them in, thee will be others. I think its great that families can voice their opinions and stand up for what they believe is right. Does anyone actually believe this nude stripping ais morally RIGHT?

Julia A. October 2, 2006 7:02 pm (Pacific time)

Albert Marnell October 2, 2006 11:58 am (Pacific time)

Julia you are a good person. But if you want to protect children, get rid of all fast food and junk food in Oregon. It is far more dangerous to them then a sex club.

Albert Marnell October 2, 2006 10:13 am (Pacific time)

Dear Anti-Al, Oral sex is a good thing, Orgasms are a good thing. Children should not be always used as an excuse for adults being restricted with other adults. I resent your innuendo trying to link what I say to something disgusting.

Editor's note... Both this comment and the last were modified by us. Please keep it clean, outright name calling has to be kept clean.

anti-Al October 1, 2006 9:53 pm (Pacific time)

Al, you must not love the children in the good sense of love. University courses have nothing to do with this, why do you talk about children and oral sex and having orgasms?

This comment was edited. Have fun but keep the name calling and unsults to an acceptable level.

Golder October 1, 2006 9:46 pm (Pacific time)

Silvas, you don't appreciate the fact that you were not made better off by the bad things you mention. The fact that you didn't "turn out bad" doesn't mean there was no effect on you. What if your definition of "bad" changed in the process of being influenced by the bad things? Do you really want to subject your daughter to those things on that basis? It makes no sense to me.

Richnrude October 1, 2006 9:37 pm (Pacific time)

Clinically, males are much more suceptable to images of naked females real or portrayed. They get a release of pleasurable chemicals in their brains and if they have a tendancy to addiction, it can range from mildly debilitating to dangerous. I don't invite the possibility of that in my neighborhood on purpose. Just common sense.

Julia Allison October 1, 2006 5:40 pm (Pacific time)

Your comments are all interesting. Each of you has valid point. I am a firm believer in the part of Neighborhood Associations being of voice of the families in the Neighborhood. Not ONE family has encouraged us to support this club. ALL have been against it. These people have a right to be heard. We are not trying to eliminate these clubs from the face of the earth, but to not have them in residential neighborhoods, where this one is proposed. I agree that much of the responsibility should be assumed by the parents of children. As parents we naturally want to protect our kids from evil influencesso extensive in the current world. Children are bombarded with sex crime, drugs, etc., and as a result are being d-sensitized to them. Its now OK and accepted to be immoral and steal, cheat and lie...all justified by the fact that everyone else is doing it...and the Madison Avenue sales pitch that bad is good. So, since we have a choice as parents we hope to lessen evil influences by teaching kids moral values and healthy lifestyles. But its an uphill battle. Since there was such an influx of calls...and the public hearing was jammed... you must realize the neighbors are upset, this is a way to trying to do something about it. Let the city set coes and zones for these type of clubs. Business owners have a right to be upwet that a strip club will degrade the neighborhood and devalue their property...and good for them to have a coice. We do have voices where we dont always have choices... We need to hear what the public wants...and that is the beauty of a free country. Can anyone tell me why peopole choose to go to these blubs...or to get drunk, or to do drugs or commit crime. Isnt it because there is something lacking in their lives? This is where the issue of moral fiber comes in...What a shame that degregation is so enticing, . The pleasure is very temporary...but can become addictive, and its the addiction that causes problems. its for those who cant stop at just "just one"that causes the problems. Sex mixed with drinking is not a good combination....it doesnt lead to a good life with real satisfaction. This club would promote the quick fix ...degrade women and promote immorality. We cant stop all the evil in the world...but we can try...and putting these clubs in areas which are least visible and least offensive would be a beginning. Did you all know that Oregon is the most liberal state in the uniion? There are most strip clubs per capita in Portland alone than any other city in the US. Do we want Salem to claim that "honor" too.? We have a web site almost ready....voice your opinions there, too. "Oregonians Protecting Neighborhoods" and there you will be able to keep up with the latest news about this strip club situation.

Blackhill October 1, 2006 1:16 pm (Pacific time)

A community has the right to set standards. They do it already with building codes, fire codes, traffic laws, curfew. Those communities who have strong visions of what they would like themselves to be are economically successful. Look at Ashland. Shakespeare instead of strip clubs. No McDonalds. Strip clubs are associated with neighborhoods in decay. The location of a strip club in south Salem could impact property values. Saying no to strip clubs is not equivalent to racial discrimination. No one is saying that strip clubs should be illegal. They are saying they're not appropriate here.

John October 1, 2006 7:17 am (Pacific time)

I have seen with my own eyes what impact a strip joint can bring to a community. I live in Sunny Valley OR, a small community 15 miles north of Grants Pass. About two years ago, one opened here and has brought with it some problems. I am not hear to tell you that everybody that goes to this type of business is bad or immoral but the percentage that are, is greater then most. The Sheriff has told us that the calls to our area have increased by 20% because of the Strip Joint. I have heard the young people hollering out there car windows as they leave the joint and pick up the trash they leave behind. I moved to this valley because it was a quiet place to retire and a great place for the grand kids. I now am forced to move again. This type of business needs to be in a place that doesn't impact a bedroom community and I am in favor of laws on the location and operation of strip clubs.

Joel Walker September 30, 2006 8:22 am (Pacific time)

Be very careful. I say again- the shortest distance between what seems like a good idea and an enforceable law is NOT a straight line through the trailer park. I would also suggest that detail-oriented social engineering is not where you want to take the constitution. And, I have to ask - if a strip club is already established as a business, would there be any provision on the books to prevent a "child-oriented business" from opening within 500 feet? And, no, the answer is NOT obvious - and it's not obvious because the proposed "solution" is being crafted by people who seek no input that doesn't support their conclusions and are their own cheering squad - and have aligned with Kevin Mannix. Mannix has his own baggage.

Joel Walker September 29, 2006 11:42 pm (Pacific time)

I haven't been to a "nude" club, but I've been to a few "topless" clubs and don't get what all the excitement's about. If you've seen one, you've seen 'em both.

Anonymous September 29, 2006 12:49 pm (Pacific time)

Hey, at least we are getting to vote on this. Although I wouldn't put it past the legislature to find a way to get this through before we had out say. Knowing them they would piggy back it on a meth bill, or some school thing saying it's for the childern. Please.

Albert Marnell September 29, 2006 12:01 pm (Pacific time)

Silvas, YOU ARE FANTASTIC! I want you for my lawyer!

Silvas September 29, 2006 11:48 am (Pacific time)

No, strip clubs don't cause problems in the neighborhood. People do. "Parents" (more on the quotes later), busybodies, and closed minded fools would have everyone believe otherwise however. Do strip clubs attract a clientele that tends to get drunk, rowdy, and sometimes cause problems? Sometimes, yes. Do they make an honest effort to minimize this by ejecting trouble causing patrons, calling the police when necessary, etc? For the most part, yes. Is it the business' fault that these people can't control themselves? NO! This is just like when a strip club wanted a liquor license at the corner of Silverton and Hawthorne. "Parents" of neighborhood children complained and whined, saying it wasn't appropriate on the edge of a neighborhood, and it would corrupt their children. Let's examine this. Are there windows allowing kids to stand outside and watch nude women dancing? Nope. Are they letting kids into the building? Nope. Are they letting kids loiter on the property trying to get a glance in the door as someone enters or leaves? Nope.
How exactly are they going to corrupt the kids? What, by merely existing and being in a place the kids can see that there's a strip club there, it will teach them that it's ok, and that "exploiting" (as these people would call it... I say it's not exploitation if an adult woman of sound mind and body decides she doesn't mind getting paid for people to look at her body) women is ok, and you don't want your kids thinking that?
Newsflash! Here's a crazy thought... instead of trying to get rid of everything against your moral values so that your kids aren't "corrupted" by their presence, how about actually doing your job as a parent and teaching your kids the values you want them to learn? How about teaching them that you believe it's wrong for this behavior to occur, and why you believe it's wrong, and that not everyone shares your beliefs, and they have rights to their own beliefs, which is why the place is there?

Oh... that's right, because that's not the in thing these days. These days, it's easier to let TV, music, video games, computers, etc. raise your kids for you, while you go on about your life without having to do your job, and then when something bad happens, blame the video games, TV, music, computers, internet, etc.

Yes, I'm a parent. No, I wouldn't want my daughter working in a strip club. But rather than try to keep them from operating, I have the sense to try to teach my child "right" from "wrong". I played violent video games as a teen, listened to hard rock and metal music, watched violent movies, and gee guess what? I didn't turn out to be some sociopathic, drugged out, homicidal maniac. *GASP* How could that possibly be? We all KNOW that these things cause all these problems in our children! Maybe, just MAYBE, it's because I was taught the difference between FANTASY and REALITY. Maybe, I was taught that these movies, shows, songs, games, etc. were FANTASY or an expression of one person's feelings or thoughts, and NOT reality, and NOT ok to be recreating in reality. No video game, no movie, no music, no anything, can make your kid do these horrible things that a small number of kids have done, if you do your job as a parent and TEACH them values, and the difference between fantasy and reality. So quit being LAZY and looking for scapegoats to blame YOUR failures on and do your bloody jobs as parents, or do the world a favor and don't reproduce.

Curmudgeon September 29, 2006 11:09 am (Pacific time)

Brilliant! We're just going to say the Oregon constitution applies only to people with whom we agree. Next thing you know someone will propose a law that requires blacks to sit in the back of the bus.

Albert Marnell September 29, 2006 5:09 am (Pacific time)

Too bad universities are so backward that they don't offer courses in oral sex. Why are people so afraid of sex? I would rather have sex and a good orgasm with someone that I click with than go on a stupid a** $3000 cruise. Let's all live in Disneyland because of the CHILDREN. I love that excuse, regulate everything because of the "CHILDREN". A real great life is getting up early, working all day real hard at a retail prison, going to bed and then on weekends you get to go to Church. AHHHHHHHHHHH! We were not meant to live a clinical life.

Phil September 28, 2006 9:52 pm (Pacific time)

That's not right. Those are legitimate businesses. Have there actually been any cases in Salem where a strip club has caused a problem in the neighborhood? Why not get rid of gun stores? I'd rather have a person getting naked up the street from me rather than a store full of weapons.

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Voters Will Get Their Say on Where Strip Clubs Can Do Business in Oregon

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