DuPage board may vote next week on strip club booze ban

Patrons of a DuPage County gentleman's club may soon be stripped of their booze.

The county board is expected to vote on a law next week that forbids the county's lone strip club from allowing patrons to bing their own alcohol.

A county board oversight committee Tuesday unanimously recommended approval of the new law.

For years, patrons of Diamonds Gentlemen's Club, at Powis and North Avenue near West Chicago, have been allowed to bring liquor with them inside the venue that features fully nude dancers. That's because county law only prohibits the sale of alcohol at establishments featuring nudity.

Because of the loophole, the club doesn't have to train employees on alcohol service, carry special alcohol-service insurance or hold a liquor license. Board member James Zay proposed the legislation after hearing concerns from local law enforcement about the lack of liquor oversight at the club. Once approved by the board the new law takes effect in 30 days.

Officials from Diamonds did not attend Tuesday's hearing. When the club opened nearly a decade ago there was no alcohol allowed inside. Officials have previously said they are unsure what impact the new law would have on the business, if any.

Diamonds' owners successfully sued the county in 2001 after the county tried to use zoning laws to prevent the club's opening.

"I have a feeling as soon as we pass it, legal action will be taken," Zay said.

Zay said enforcement provisions still have to be worked out, but tickets will be issued to patrons and the club's owner if violations occur. Fines start at $1,000. Employees also could be fined if they are aware alcohol is being consumed inside the club, Zay said.

The new law was first proposed nearly a year ago, and a special board subcommittee was empaneled to shape the new law.

"It took more time than we wanted," Zay said, "but we wanted to make sure it was a good ordinance that was going to stand up to scrutiny."