Central City, CO – In a dramatic showdown that has captivated the mountain town, the Central City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to keep strip clubs out of its historic downtown. The decision came amidst a pending civil rights lawsuit filed by RCI Hospitality Holdings Inc., the company seeking to open a Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse on Main Street.
The council’s vote to relocate sexually oriented businesses to the industrial zone outside the city was a major victory for residents who had vehemently opposed the strip club proposal. The decision also marked a significant setback for RCI, which had invested heavily in the project and had hoped to capitalize on the town’s thriving tourism industry.
Mayor Jeremy Fey, who had recused himself from previous votes due to concerns about his relationship with RCI’s owner, cast a decisive vote in favor of the ban. “This has been a difficult issue for our community,” he said. “But in the end, I believe that protecting the character of our historic downtown is paramount.”
The council’s decision came after weeks of intense debate and public hearings. Residents expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of a strip club on the town’s family-friendly atmosphere and property values. Some argued that the presence of a strip club would be incompatible with the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
RCI, however, maintained that a strip club would be a welcome addition to Central City, arguing that it would generate revenue and attract new visitors. The company had filed a lawsuit against the town, claiming that its civil rights were violated when the council denied its application to open the strip club.
Despite the council’s decision, RCI has vowed to continue its legal battle. Eric Langan, the company’s president and CEO, said in a statement that he remains committed to opening a strip club in Central City, even if it means relocating the project to the industrial zone.
The council’s vote has set the stage for a potentially lengthy legal process. It remains to be seen whether RCI will ultimately prevail in its lawsuit and whether the town will be able to enforce its ban on strip clubs.