FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. from www.fox41.com — If you want lap dances, booze, or nudity, you will have to go somewhere other than Louisville strip clubs to get them.
That is exactly what some Indiana residents are afraid of. The new ordinance limiting action at Louisville strip clubs is good for one club owner in Indiana, but some lawmakers are afraid more strip clubs will make the move across the river.
Greenville, Indiana is a small, older community with a population of 633, and most do not want any strip clubs there. “We have to protect the citizens and the children in this town as much as we possibly can,” said Town Council Vice President Randal Johnes.
The new ordinance means no nudity, no alcohol, and no lap dances at Louisville clubs. They also have to close at 1 a.m. Small southern Indiana towns fear these clubs will lose business and head across the river where the laws are not so strict. “We do have a concern because these businesses are going to operate somewhere and I believe that southern Indiana is a prime area,” said Johnes.
Sellersburg passed an ordinance last week and Greenville’s town council is now in the process. But others in Indiana swing the other way. “Let’s face it,” said club owner Red Scott, “most people from Louisville aren’t gonna drive to Greenville and there’s not enough population in Greenville to make it a financially viable option.”
There’s only one strip club in Floyd County, the Rustic Frog in New Albany. The ordinance in Louisville has helped business there. The establishment is trying to cash in on Louisville customers, even putting out advertisements that say “We can give you what Louisville clubs can’t.”
They offer alcohol, lap dances, and stay open until three in the morning.
“The fact that you can’t sit at the stage over there and tip a girl, you might as well stay at home and watch TV,” said Scott.
Scott does not think Louisville clubs will come across the river. A New Albany council member told Fox 41 that city may be next in tightening up its ordinance. Even so, Scott says he doesn’t feel threatened. “It’s good for the economy. Either you can take something that’s good for the economy or spend thousands of dollars to keep it out.”
Johnes says he believes the ordinance will pass and should be in effect in the next six months.