Proposed Angola Strip Club Hearing

Today, a hearing was held to determine if the city acted inappropriately when they denied the land owner his right to open the club.

Hours of testimonials from both sides were heard.   Today's hearing was simply administrative, a ruling will be handed down within five days.  The ruling will either uphold the city of Angola's decision or side with defense. 

Alva Butler operates a gentleman's club in Fort Wayne and wanted to open a similar club in Angola.  His permit to open a sexually oriented business was denied in November

This is the first sexually oriented business that's tried to establish itself in Angola," said Angola Attorney Kim Shoup.  .

A case like this isn't just a first for Angola it's also a first for Shoup.   

"This requires a level of expertise including constitutional law that I don't use in my daily practice," said Shoup. 

With a federal lawsuit pending Angola has dedicated $100,000 for legal costs with a chunk of it going to the attorney handles these types of cases regularly. 

"Scott Bergthold has a national reputation as an attorney representing municipalities and government in connection with these types of matters," said Shoup.   

"We are hoping that the hearing officer affirms the decision of the building commissioner to deny the license to operate a sexually oriented business at that location because it doesn't meet the separation requirements for residences," said Bergthold.