Editor’s note: This story was originally submitted to the Miami SunPost. Link provided when posted.
Jimmy Morales rescinds his revocation of Club Madonna’s business license; Attorney’s for the club claim the city dragged their feet before hearing their side.
On Monday night, Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales lifted his original order to revoke the business license of the city’s only strip club, provided that it followed some stipulations.
For over two weeks Club Madonna remained closed because Morales determined the business presented an “immediate threat” to the public following the shocking allegations that a 13-year-old girl had performed in the establishment.
“To address these matters, Club Madonna has proffered to develop and institute a compliance program that will prevent the aforementioned threat to minors and their families,” said Morales in his order.
Chiefly the strip club will now have to hire a compliance officer whose main function would be to assure all regulations are being followed, as well as keeping track that each performer is diligently identified and work schedule tracked in a log. An affidavit that these logs are being kept are to be delivered weekly by 5 o’clock on Tuesdays.
In addition, the club must agree to in writing that they will turn away any performer who appears to be escorted into the premise. Dancers will also have to attest that they are not being intimidated into performing.
The 13-year-old girl in question told police that she was forced into prostitution, and when she refused, her alleged captors forced her into dancing at the club.
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