Court to issue order in Club Exotica case

A skirmish in a sex war was fought in federal court Thursday, with a case pitting Club Exotica against the city of Las Vegas being taken under advisement.

At the conclusion of a hearing in which club owners are trying to get an injunction against the city to prevent it from shutting down their exotic dance business, U.S. District Court Judge Johnnie Rawlinson said she would issue an order within two weeks.

Attorneys for the city and for the nightclub argued their issues and submitted briefs during Thursday's hearing.

At issue is a $50,000 fine imposed March 9 by the City Council against Club Exotica.

The fine was levied at the end of a hearing in which lawmen testified they consumed alcoholic beverages in the club on six different occasions, although the club does not have a liquor license.

Brett Myers, attorney for Club Exotica, says his clients -- club owners David Sebag and Andre Bohbot -- are not denying that the city has the right to license and to police alcoholic consumption and sales.

"But in so doing, the city must comply with due process," Myers said.

Two other nude dance clubs also are involved in an on-going legal battle with the city -- the result of a crackdown on businesses featuring nude dancers.

Owners of Little Darlings, 1514 Western Ave., filed a federal suit in December after the city fined them $50,000 for allegedly allowing the consumption of alcohol on it premises.

Talk of the Town, 1238 S. Las Vega Blvd., was given a three-week suspension after being accused of allowing drinking of alcohol in the club, which is still open pending appeals.

Club owner Raymond Pistol has sued the city for its method of investigation.

"We aren't liquor Nazis," says Pistol, noting that he isn't required to frisk patrons as they come in the door to determine if they are carrying liquor.

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