Release Date: January 12, 2010
 Office of District 10 Councilman John G. Clamp: 207-7276

Councilman John Clamp puts city's new 'live entertainment' ordinance to the test

Councilman John Clamp is putting the new live entertainment ordinance, passed by the City Council on May 31, 2009, to the test. In October 2009, Headliner's Showclub opened at 1039 N.E. Loop 410. The owner of the property, The Meng Partnership - who also owns Formosa Gardens, requested a zoning change in May 2009 and presented a plan for a bar / tavern at that location. City Council approved the zoning change from C-2 to C-2 CD with a conditional use for a nightclub in order to accommodate a bar / tavern.

Since that time, businesses and neighbors have complained that the new business was opened as a gentleman's club. Upon investigation, the District 10 office has learned that the business has been operating outside of its zoning designation and certificate of occupancy by featuring topless dancers. Under the new live entertainment ordinance, businesses must apply for a Special Use Permit for Live Entertainment. The business must also apply for a C-3 S zoning to operate as a Sexually Oriented Business.
 
"Our office, the Planning & Development Services Office and the City Attorney's Office have tried to work with the property owners to resolve this issue," said Councilman Clamp. "I am furious that The Meng Partnership misrepresented the type of establishment that was going to open in that location. Our office has been working diligently since Headliner’s opened to rectify the situation. We are now pursuing legal action to revoke their Certificate of Occupancy and bring them into compliance with city and state laws."

The revocation request will be heard by the Board of Adjustments at their public meeting on February 1, 2010. For additional information or a timeline of events, call Amanda Knull at 207-7063.