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Topless Cafe, Strippers ... Then What?

April 22, 2009 - VASSALBORO — A topless coffee shop is one thing, but a strip club is quite another, some residents say.

Others, however, have a "live and let live" attitude.

Donald Crabtree, owner of the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop on Route 3, has said he wants to expand his business to include a strip club. The Board of Selectmen addressed the issue Wednesday night, inviting comment on a proposed adult-entertainment ordinance that would prohibit such a venture.

Based on input from the public, town officials will craft an ordinance that will go before voters at the June 8 town meeting.

Resident Peter Cates said he is not surprised at Crabtree's plan.

"I suspected they would be pushing the envelope," Cates said. "With several rooms on either side of that place, those rooms weren't going to go unoccupied for long."

"It's a joke," Cates said in reference to a strip club. "Theoretically, it's victimless fun. But I don't see this as victimless. It's eventually going to attract more people in this area who are up to no good."

Resident Barbara Breault agreed. "The doughnut shop doesn't bother me," Breault said. "They're making a living, and not doing any harm. I have the option of not going. But a strip club -- no. I think that would draw a different crowd, and might be a night thing."

Lifelong Vassalboro resident Bruce Lancaster had a different take on the matter. "We have a hard enough time keeping people working as it is," Lancaster said. "If you don't like it, just keep going by."

By LARRY GRARD Staff Writer, Kennebec Journal April 16, 2009


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Regions: Belgrade, Mid Coast


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