VALDOSTA, Georgia- Robert Hooks, manager of Club Paradise – an adult entertainment venue on West U.S. 84 – spoke to Valdosta City Councilmen earlier this month about what implementing an ordinance restricting alcohol in the adult entertainment business would do to his establishment.
In addition to restricting the sale or consumption of alcohol on premises, the ordinance would prohibit adult entertainment venues from developing business within 1,000 feet of residential areas, schools, churches, governmental buildings, parks, recreation facilities, neighborhood playgrounds, the central downtown district and the Valdosta Historic District. It would affect businesses including adult bookstores, video stores, dancing places and motion picture theaters.
“This slaps me in the face because I’m not a criminal, and I manage a decent club,” Hooks said, referring to language in the ordinance that says criminal activities occur at adult venues. “I love meeting people … people from all over the world go to my club. They want entertainment, we supply entertainment. We’re the toughest club in town.”
Hooks said Club Paradise has a strict ID policy, putting wristbands on underage patrons and supplying those persons 21 years and older with a paper card, which is requested when ordering an alcoholic drink. He said ladies without a male escort are not permitted in the club, and there have been no incidents in the last nine years. He said there has never been a fight or a killing.
“There are no VIP or private rooms,” Hooks said, further saying his club was a getaway for gentlemen needing a break from a nagging wife or girlfriend.
Hooks asked Councilmen to visit Club Paradise and encouraged them to look closely at the impact the ordinance would have on his and other adult entertainment businesses.
Councilman David Sumner asked the Council if a provision could be made to grandfather Hooks’ business into the ordinance, meaning his establishment could continue to serve alcohol.
Councilmen are expected to vote on the ordinance at their Sept. 21 meeting.