Gay strip club owner CB Jones has sued the city of North Miami Beach, claiming it is discriminating against his establishment because it shows male nudity.
Gay strip club owner CB Jones has sued the city of North Miami Beach, claiming it is discriminating against his establishment because it shows male nudity.
Jones doesn't mince words when talking about his all-nude club, and his battle with the city.
“It’s discrimination. It’s equal protection. They’re picking on us because we're showing full nudity, male nudity,” he said.
North Miami Beach has an ordinance that prohibits full nudity and alcohol in the same establishment. The two female strip clubs in the city have been violating that ordinance for many years, featuring all-nude ladies and serving alcohol.
Jones opened his gay club Swinging Richards on Biscayne Boulevard, and three months later the city announced it needed to address the conflict with the ordinance.
Jones is now suing the city, claiming his rights are being violated.
“I don't think they want to negotiate with me,” he said. “They seem adamant that male nudity is different from female nudity.”
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City attorney Darcee Siegel recently briefed North Miami Beach City Council members on the controversy.
"The bottom line is we have adult entertainment facilities and establishments and we have ordinances, and they're not being complied with. They have a choice to either try to have the ordinance changed or comply with it,” she said Wednesday.
Jones responded, “I think that the city of North Miami Beach is out of touch socially with these issues, and I hope that we can come to some agreement, but I had to file suit last week to protect my rights.”
