Metro told to end probe of cabaret owner Galardi

Requests from Metro Police officials for more money and more time to investigate the part-owner of the Gold Club cabaret were turned down Tuesday, allowing the business to move ahead with plans to open a new club.

Clark County commissioners, acting as the Liquor and Gaming Board, voted 4-3 to put an end to the probe into how Jack Galardi's business has made about $26 million during the last nine years.

Metro Police Lt. Tim Leveque told board members that Galardi was the subject of a grand jury investigation in Atlanta, but his attorney said Galardi -- who has been a businessman in Las Vegas for 20 years -- has never been notified.

"He hasn't received a letter and he's never been arrested, but because he's made a profit we have to look into it?" said Lance Malone, who voted with Erin Kenny, Myrna Williams and Dario Herrera. "Even though I don't support that type of business, you have to do what's right for everyone."

Metro regularly conducts background checks on applicants for businesses such as strip clubs almost annually because they require "privileged business licenses."

But Kenny suggested the county was pursuing Galardi more aggressively than if it were dealing with Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn because of his topless dancing business.

Metro had asked for $11,000 so it could send investigators to Atlanta -- where Galardi also has clubs -- to gather more information on the grand jury probe, but officers said they did not know the circumstances surrounding the investigation.

Galardi would have been charged for the trip and investigation.

Commissioners Bruce Woodbury, Mary Kincaid and Yvonne Atkinson Gates argued that it is not prudent to allow a strip club -- which would be the only one in the unincorporated county -- to open without looking into the owners' background.

A background check was last conducted on Galardi in 1990, and he has since made his fortune.

"We believe he should be investigated and investigated thoroughly so we know who we're giving a license to," said business license director Ardel Jorgenson.

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