Judge overrules county and allows 2 strip clubs to reopen
A court ruling Nov. 6 temporarily stopped enforcement of recent cease-and-desist orders issued by the county health department against Pacers Showgirls International in the Midway District and another San Diego adult entertainment club.
San Diego County Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil granted a request for a temporary injunction that stops “any government entity or law enforcement officer from enforcing the provisions of the cease-and-desist orders,” provided both locations follow extensive measures designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on their premises.
A lawsuit that Pacers and Cheetahs Gentlemen’s Club in Kearny Mesa filed against the county in October alleges the county’s public health orders, which prohibit live entertainment but don’t specifically mention adult entertainment, violate the businesses’ constitutional rights of due process and equal protection under the law, arguing that other establishments, from restaurants to comedy clubs, have been allowed to host “considerable live entertainment.”
Jason Saccuzzo, the attorney representing Pacers in the action, said the strip club planned to resume dancing the night of Nov. 6, with dancers separated from patrons by 15 feet.
“We feel this is not going to be something that results in the transmission of the virus,” Saccuzzo said. “We believe we are taking every reasonable precaution to exceed the guidelines.”
The Cheetahs website said Nov. 6 that it is now open for business.
The county ordered Pacers to stop all live entertainment Oct. 14 following a stabbing incident involving Padres outfielder Tommy Pham outside the club the previous weekend. A few days later, the city of San Diego confirmed that it was seeking a cease-and-desist order against Cheetahs.
