Authorities cracking down on adult clubs

Three establishments lost liquor license, and a fourth is appealing.

HARRISON TWP. — Three adult entertainment clubs have lost liquor permits in Montgomery County this year, and a fourth is hanging onto its license pending an appeal.

The Living Room, 3830 North Dixie Drive, is the latest business to lose its ability to sell alcohol.

“During an investigation, agents witnessed criminal and administrative violations, including improper contact with patrons, nudity and public indecency, as well as purchased drugs,” officials with the Ohio Liquor Control Commission’s investigative unit said.

Agent-in-Charge Michelle Thourot told the Dayton Daily News there has been a concerted effort to clean up the area along the North Dixie strip.

“Harem, Living Room and Sharkey’s have had their licenses revoked,” Thourot said. Harem and Sharkey’s have closed down, while The Living Room’s license revocation goes into effect Dec. 20, she said.

All three businesses faced similar administrative charges against their liquor licenses. In addition, criminal charges were filed in Vandalia Municipal Court against Thirty Eight Thirty Inc., the corporation that owns The Living Room, and two employees.

Last year 11 people were indicted and a host of administrative

violations were filed following raids at The Living Room, Harem, 5825 North Dixie; and Sharkey’s, 6028 North Dixie. Harem was the first to shut down, followed by Sharkey’s in September of this year.

The investigation of The Living Room started in July of last year. Thirty Eight Thirty Inc. was found guilty of illegally operating a sexually oriented business and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. The two employees were found guilty of illegal sexual activity and placed on probation for one year under conditions that include staying off the property of any bar or nightclub in the court’s jurisdiction.

“All of our businesses such as The Living Room have the right to operate legally,” Township Administrator Kris McClintick said. “We want them to operate within the confines of the law. But when they don’t, there are consequences. The township didn’t initiate this process, but any business that doesn’t operate within the law then there are consequences.”

McClintick said the club could appeal its license revocation, which would allow it to remain open and sell liquor while the appeals process takes place. Strip clubs also could operate without a liquor license, though very few do.

The Living Room is operating as usual, according to a spokeswoman for Thirty Eight Thirty, Inc. Company President Michael Ferraro was unavailable Friday to discuss what his company plans to do regarding an appeal.

A fourth area strip club remains open while it appeals the latest attempt by law enforcement to revoke its liquor license.

Plush Gentlemen’s Club, 2213 Wagner Ford Road, has been the subject of scrutiny by the Montgomery County Sheriff ’s Office.

In the past year, according to the sheriff ’s office, deputies have responded to 189 calls to the club — which has also been known as Gemz Gentleman Club.

“The sheriff ’s office, the prosecutor’s office and everyone who is involved objected to the renewal of the liquor license for that club,” Thourot said. “They did win the objection, however there is a stay order that was filed. A stay order means that the club can still operate, and they are trying to fight the objection. To my knowledge, the club is still open, and they can sell liquor while the stay has been filed.”

Reengage Dayton, LLC is listed as the corporation that owns Plush Gentlemen’s Club. Navdeep Virk and Sharanjit Virk are listed as managing members of the business according to Lindsey LeBerth, brand manager for the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control.

The Virks did not respond to a request to comment for this story.