Downtown bar hosting ‘gentleman’s club’ on weekends
A Facebook message posted on Feb. 26 announced the Voodoo Moon Hose of Blues and Brews, located at 42 N. Fountain Ave., will be the site of a “test concept” establishment called Jazzy G’s Gentleman’s Club starting in May. Renea Turner, owner of Voodoo Moon, said the bar is hosting the new club because she feels the concept could draw new investments to the downtown area.
Ardell Williams, who will oversee networking at Jazzy G’s, said the club will be open Thursday through Saturday after 8 p.m. to patrons 21 and over.
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City warns of possible zoning violation
The city of Springfield sent a warning letter to Turner of Feb. 28 stating if she went through with the opening, she could be in violation of zoning regulations for her downtown business. The letter states the current zoning her business falls under does not allow for “adult business,” which is defined as “any sexually oriented business which focuses upon sexual activities and/or anatomical areas in conducting a business for adult entertainment.”
The letter also states it would not support a rezoning of the business, as it would not be consistent with the surrounding zoning designations.
Stephen Thompson, administrator for Planning, Zoning and Code for the city, said the description of the club in the original Facebook post lead to the letter being sent to Turner.
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Staff says new concept will comply with current zoning
Williams said the new club will not feature nudity, which separates it from a strip club. He said in a Facebook post referencing the club that all the waitresses will be “lingerie-fitted.”
Turner said the venue has hosted Chippendale dancers in the past, and it did not create an issue with zoning. Williams said Turner has assured him that they are in compliance.
Turner said Williams can take the concept and invest in a separate location if it’s successful.
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