BALTIMORE — The operators of Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club promised a clean, classy operation when it opened last year on Baltimore’s fabled The Block.
“No touching,” promised Jason C. Mohney, 30, drawing a distinction between the latest addition to Flynt’s national chain and the other, smaller strip joints crammed onto The Block, steps from City Hall and police headquarters.
But the city liquor board is scheduled Thursday to hear police allegations that four days after the club’s Nov. 12 gala opening, several people – including Mohney’s brother – violated the city law barring sexual touching.
The allegations are relatively minor for The Block, long home to drugs and prostitution. They could lead to a fine of several hundred dollars, at most. But police and liquor board officials say the case is a reminder that violations can occur even at “classy” places such as the Hustler Club.
Mohney, the club’s manager, did not respond to phone messages this week. The club’s lawyer, Peter Prevas, called the alleged violations “very technical” and “no big stuff.”
Thursday’s case stems from observations made Nov. 16 by police. Police say they saw illegal sexual contact between a dancer and a cocktail waitress, between a dancer and a patron, and between a dancer and another Hustler employee identified by Gentile as Mohney’s brother, Justin, who helped provide club security.
Five of the six people involved worked at the club, the police report said, and “all stated that they were not specifically told that sexual conduct or contact was prohibited.”
The hearing has been postponed several times in recent months.
Nathan C. Irby Jr., executive secretary of the liquor board – which regulates city adult entertainment licenses – said he has never visited the club but hears good things. “I understand it’s a classy place,” he said.
While not condoning sexual touching, Irby seemed to sympathize with club operators who must watch over customers and dancers in a sexually charged atmosphere.
“I don’t know how you are ever going to get around that (touching) in an adult entertainment facility,” Irby said. “The temptation is too great.”