Alcohol License Approved for Strip Club
By: Robert Bumsted
Updated: December 6, 2012
Angola is one step closer to having a strip club within its city limits. This week, the state's alcohol licensing body approved a new liquor license for Alva Butler, owner of the 'Showgirls' strip club in Fort Wayne.
Earlier this year, Butler bought the former 'Slider's' restaurant on Angola's North Side with the intention of opening another adult-oriented club, but the process has been fraught with public disdain and licensing problems.
Last week, the local branch of the state alcohol licensing board denied Butler's application for a liquor license citing the large amount of public disdain for the project. More than 500 people showed up to the meeting to voice concerns and present legal arguments against the construction of the establishment.
WFFT attempted contact the state agency on Wednesday to ask why the decision was ultimately reversed by officials in Indianapolis, but a voicemail was not returned.
Even though the liquor license has been cleared, Angola city officials have not granted the owner a license to do business.
City attorney Kim Shoup told WFFT on Wednesday that the business license had been denied in the last week. Shoup says according to city code, sexually-oriented businesses cannot exist within 750 feet of a residence. He says Butler plans to appeal the decision.
Earlier this year, Butler bought the former 'Slider's' restaurant on Angola's North Side with the intention of opening another adult-oriented club, but the process has been fraught with public disdain and licensing problems.
Last week, the local branch of the state alcohol licensing board denied Butler's application for a liquor license citing the large amount of public disdain for the project. More than 500 people showed up to the meeting to voice concerns and present legal arguments against the construction of the establishment.
WFFT attempted contact the state agency on Wednesday to ask why the decision was ultimately reversed by officials in Indianapolis, but a voicemail was not returned.
Even though the liquor license has been cleared, Angola city officials have not granted the owner a license to do business.
City attorney Kim Shoup told WFFT on Wednesday that the business license had been denied in the last week. Shoup says according to city code, sexually-oriented businesses cannot exist within 750 feet of a residence. He says Butler plans to appeal the decision.
