Commissioners of Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, are reviewing a 42-year-old regulation that prevents gaming in strip clubs. The review was instituted after one adult-oriented business requested an exemption from the rule.
CCC 8.04.070, passed by the county in 1980, reads, “Any place located within a 250-foot radius of an adult-oriented business is presumed to be unsuitable for the conduct of gaming unless the Board determines, after a public hearing, that the public health, safety, and welfare will not be impaired by granting the application.”
Sapphire, a large nightclub and lounge featuring adult entertainment and a day pool, became the latest of several adult establishments to request an exemption from the regulation over the years.
“It’s an upstanding business,” said David Brown, a representative for Sapphire who spoke before the county commissioners, told FOX5 News in Las Vegas.
“They’ve worked very, very well with Metro over the years. They’re asking to have the ability to have gaming machines just like hundreds of other taverns in Clark County, Nevada. The adult clubs were one of the last to reopen during Covid. They’re still impacted more than a lot of the other tourist business in Clark County.”
The Clark County Commission is now considering tanking the rule.
“Why are they prohibited in strip clubs?” asked County Commissioner Tick Segerblom in a FOX5 interview. “No one seems to know the answer. We’re going to do some research, talk to the Gaming Control Board. But truth is, I’m not sure there’s a need for a few more slot machines out there. Gaming laws are different than liquor laws, and we the county enforce the liquor laws; the state does the gaming laws. It just seems kind of complicated for a few slot machines.”
The Nevada Resort Association disagreed, releasing the following statement:
“We have concerns over the unintended consequences and public policy matters this item creates. It sets a troubling precedent for licensing gaming at other adult-oriented businesses throughout the Las Vegas Valley, creating more potential issues and neighborhood impacts. Further, adding another entitlement, in addition to a cannabis dispensary and a cannabis consumption lounge, to this location is premature and could lead to other unforeseen situations, such as additional calls for service from law enforcement.”
The commission tabled the request to review the ordinance for 60 days, during which time commissioners say they will consult with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
