It's Amazing I'm Not a Puritan

Once again, my “hometown” (quotes mine, I just can’t fess up to being from there right now) embarrasses itself. This is making statewide news right now ...

(AP - 2/17/07 - LUBBOCK, TX) - Police arrested eight Chippendales dancers and three others during the first of three sold out performances Friday, accusing them of violating the city's adult entertainment ordinance.

Officers raided Jake's Sports Cafe about 30 minutes after the show started and the venue was closed. They arrested the venue's manager, the show's promoter and the dancers' manager along with the dancers in front of a disgruntled crowd of women.

Shortly after, several hundred women began chanting, "Bring them back, bring them back" and "the City Council sucks, the City Council sucks."

Authorities say the dancers violated a city ordinance which bars contact between entertainers and patrons. Lt. Greg Stevens of the Lubbock Police said the dancers were simulating sexual positions with audience members.

Jake's Sports Bar owner, Scott Stephenson, said his establishment did everything as planned to abide by the city ordinance.

"Comparatively, it's a classy production," said Greg Jackson, Jake's Sports Cafe booking agent, adding that Chippendale dancers do not take off all their clothes.

Stephenson said he feels the police were there to shut them down.

Police says they intend to get an arrest warrant for Stephenson.

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Pelvic action thrusts review into scrutiny
BY Beth Aaron, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Blowing on a woman's neck and thrusting a pelvis led to 11 arrests last weekend after police shut down a male review at Jake's Sports Cafe, said the bar's owner.

The dancers, their manager, a production manager and a manager of Jake's Sports Cafe were arrested during the first of three performances scheduled for Feb. 16.

Lubbock Police Lt. Greg Stevens declined to elaborate on what "simulation of a sexual act" caused police to shut down the dance performance, but said "they engaged in behavior that falls under the city code for sexually oriented businesses."

Scott Stephenson, one of Jake's owners, said one of the dancers blew on a woman's neck and thrusted his pelvis toward her.

"It's a provocative move, I agree," Stephenson said, "but it's not illegal."

Police intend to present their case to the district attorney's office, which was closed Monday for President's Day. The dancers and managers are accused of violating a state law that requires a permit for performing sexually oriented material, Police Chief Claude Jones said.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will review police records about the incident once they become available, Capt. Dan Cullers said.

If Jake's violated a city code, TABC can take administrative action against the establishment. Depending on the severity of the violation, Jake's could be issued a warning or up to 60 days suspension.

Michael Caprio, the Chippendales' spokesman, said this is the first time in 30 years any member of the male dance troupe has been arrested.

He said the company is considering filing a lawsuit against the city of Lubbock.

"At this point in time, no decision has been made, but we are evaluating the situation," Caprio said. "To have this happen is sort of confusing for all of us because we thought we were doing everything that we needed to do to our knowledge."

Stephenson also said the bar's owners are considering taking legal action against the city.

"We have to look at our options and what's right to do to take care of everyone," he said. "We were poised to have one of our best days ever, and they closed us down at seven. We have a lot of people that couldn't make their rent."

Still, Stephenson said he would rather work with the city to find a solution to his problem than end up in court.

Stephenson said patrons may start receiving refunds for Chippendales tickets on Wednesday. The bar sold more than $20,000 worth of tickets for three sold-out shows on Friday.

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I would like to draw your attention to something in the article above ... this is the first time in thirty years that a Chippendales dancer was arrested ... anywhere! Obviously Chippendales is making their first appearance in Lubbock, TX. Never mind the fact that I used to work in a BYOB tittie-bar in Lubbock years ago ... one where from time to time the women violated the law and got completely nude ... but the city didn't really care. In Lubbock, they turn the other way when it comes to women.

Jeez ... do you now realize why I have such a desire to move to Vegas? Look at where I grew up!