Strip Clubs

One way around New York City's tough new laws on adult entertainment businesses could be to let children in. A Manhattan topless club is being permitted to stay open because it doesn't stop minors at the door if they are accompanied by an adult. The youngsters can't drink but they can watch. State Supreme Court Justice Stephen Crane took the literal meaning of the city's new ordinance. The law goes after adult businesses that are not open to the general public, and excludes minors. The lawyer for Ten's World Class Cabaret, Mark Alonso, says he noticed the wording last year and worked out Ten's admission policy for minors. The policy involves several restrictions and specific steps that must be taken by the club's personnel. The minor must be accompanied by an adult. The city will appeal. Attorney Steve Fishner calls the decision illogical. The city argued that the zoning resolution's wording was meant to protect legitimate theatrical productions that may feature nudity or sexual activity. The city also argued that Ten's procedure for admitting minors is so restrictive as to be, in fact, an exclusion policy. Herald Price Fahringer, who says he represents 107 adult establishments, said many of his clients called him after hearing of Crane's ruling to learn how they could take advantage of it.