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Industry, California – from www.sgvtribune.com – Pinks, the strip club that appeared ready to open in early June without city authorization, remains closed following a court-ordered temporary restraining order.
Industry filed a lawsuit regarding the business on June 10, and a hearing on a preliminary injunction is set for July 19.
Named in the suit are DNA Properties and Spearmint Rhino, the landowner and parent company behind Pinks, respectively.
Spearmint Rhino began marketing the opening of the strip club last month and started the process of hiring dancers, despite city officials saying the business would be illegal. It also put up a storefront sign.
Industry describes five violations in its lawsuit against the club: Pinks is not inside Industry’s adult business overlay zone, which allows strip clubs in specific areas but not within 250 feet of residences; it does not have an adult business permit; it does not have a certificate of occupancy; the business made unauthorized tenant improvements; and business signs were put up without a permit.
“Defendants’ ill-advised and inexplicable decision to ignore the municipal code completely and essentially create their own land use and building rules unilaterally undermines the city’s political process,” Industry attorney Stephen McEwen wrote in court documents.
Spearmint Rhino chairman and chief executive officer John Gray declined to comment on the situation, citing the litigation.
Spearmint Rhino announced the new strip club in April by setting up a website, and began advertising in June. The club was planned for the space formerly occupied by another strip club, Hawaii Theater, at 15333 Gale Ave.
Hawaii Theater closed in January because of Industry’s zoning regulations, which require adult businesses to be 250 feet away from homes. Hacienda Heights residences are across the street from the location.
Hawaii Theater’s owner, Randy Welty, warned Industry in a March 31 letter that DNA Properties planned to reopen the site as a strip club.
A June 3 email from Gray shows the company responded at least once to Industry’s concerns. The email was in response to a message by code enforcement investigator Donald Gray (no relation):
“Thank you for the notice and your professionalism Don. The temp sign has been removed and I am working with the city to resolve other matters you reference,” the email reads.