Pennsylvania – from www.wnep.com – A judge has just ordered a strip club in the Poconos to stop operating as an adult cabaret.
A judge says Thrills Bar in Reeders has not been following the rules of Jackson Township.
A Monroe County judge has ordered Thrills Bar to not operate as an adult cabaret for up to one year. The lawyer for the township said the the ruling means Thrills has to shut down completely.
The judge ruled that the bar has been operating in an area of the township that prohibits that kind of adult entertainment.
Thrills Bar opened in March as a bikini bar.
In May, the owner, Ira Weiner, announced the place was going topless.
According to Jackson Township officials, the bar is not in a zone that allows topless entertainment.
Weiner said the zoning ordinance is too vague and he believed it’s a case of free speech. He took up the issue in both federal and county court.
After months of hearings involving Weiner and the township, a Monroe County judge ruled the bar has been breaking the law, that it has been operating as an adult cabaret.
Weiner said he hasn’t heard the decision and Thrills is still open.
The Jackson Township supervisor said he is pleased to see Thrills being forced to stop adult entertainment and the judge’s decision validates the township’s original decision to take Thrills to court.
Courthouse officials said Thrills wants to continue offering adult entertainment. It could relocate but it must be comply with local zoning ordinances.
