While businesses throughout the state are shut down due to the latest stay-at-home order, strip clubs are surprisingly still open. This is baffling to business owners that have had to close their doors, and suffer massive financial strain as a result.
Gyms are closed, restaurants are limited to take out only, and grocery stores had their capacity limited to 35%, yet Pacers Showgirls International and the Cheetahs Gentlemen’s Club, for example, are still thriving.
County officials are barred from taking action against gentleman’s clubs because of an injunction put in place by a judge. That injunction granted a temporary restraining order that halted the county’s cease and desist order.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel R. Wohlfeil stated that adult live entertainment is “constitutionally protected speech.”
The county is not giving up, however, with officials voting 3-2 to appeal the judge’s decision.
Many do not think that the regulations in place are reasonable, and believe they are inconsistent.
“I believe anybody can make a business in America. So it’s nothing against the strip clubs, but it’s how inconsistent it is that somehow this virus lives in — you can’t contract it in certain areas,” said Alondra Ruiz, owner of The Village SD restaurant.
Alondra Ruiz is keeping her restaurant open, even with the ban on in-person dining. According to NBC 7, when asked if she was willing to face the consequences and fines for remaining open, she said, “Absolutely! I had a meeting with my employees, you know, everybody wants to work. So I’m standing up for them and I’m standing up for the people that want to say something but don’t have the courage or are afraid of the fines. I think they’re illegal and I’d rather fight them in court than shut down my business.”
