PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A federal judge on Thursday barred Providence from revoking the liquor and entertainment licenses of a strip club closed by the city over allegations of prostitution on the premises.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. granted the Wild Zebra’s request for a preliminary injunction blocking the city from enforcing a Board of Licenses’ decision to pull the club’s licenses, The Providence Journal reported.
McConnell found that the board’s actions left the club without a way to seek meaningful judicial review and unable to engage in the constitutionally protected expressive conduct of nude dancing.
McConnell rejected the city’s arguments that public safety and its ability to stop criminal activity was at stake.
The ruling was a reversal of an April decision upholding as constitutional a city ordinance that effectively shuttered the club.
The Wild Zebra was brought before the Board of Licenses in November after undercover detectives said they’d been propositioned for sexual activity in exchange for money by two dancers.
The Wild Zebra has said it does not tolerate prostitution. An email seeking comment was left with a club attorney.
A spokesperson for the city says the ruling is under review.
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