The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Westbrook, Maine, Shuts Down Strip Club

September 21, 2010 - WESTBROOK -- A strip club that opened Friday in Westbrook, apparently without city officials' knowledge, was shut down after an inspector found fire code violations.

Dreamers Cabaret, at 84B Warren Ave., closed Saturday after the city's fire inspector found a few minor violations. The code enforcement officer revoked the club's occupancy permit Monday afternoon.

An attorney representing the club's owner said the issues are being resolved and Dreamers Cabaret will seek to get its permit reinstated. Tom Hallett of The Hallett Law Firm said that if the city doesn't reissue the occupancy permit, the club will consider legal action.

Lawrence Ferrante, president of The Ferrante Group Inc., opened the fully nude strip club Friday. He didn't need a business license from the city because he was not selling food or alcohol.

"The city had no knowledge of this business until we heard they opened," said City Administrator Jerre Bryant.

Fire Inspector Charles Jarrett shut down the club after citing four violations, including a lack of sprinkler coverage in a hallway, no construction permits from the state Fire Marshal's Office and no approved fire alarm system.

Rick Gouzie, the code enforcement officer, had issued Ferrante a certificate of occupancy on Sept. 10, but revoked the permit Monday after discovering that additional construction had been done after the final inspection.

Bryant said Ferrante needs another permit for the work that was done and another inspection before he can reopen.

"It's outrageous," Hallett said. "They don't have any right to revoke an occupancy permit once it's been given. They don't like the nature of the business. That's why they shut them down."

The building was used previously as a warehouse and is in the city's industrial zone. Ferrante received a permit to change the use of the building to an indoor recreation facility, which is permitted in the zone.

Bryant said Gouzie issued the permit based on a proposal for an arcade and a pool hall. "Clearly, that is not the use," Bryant said. "We need a description of what (Ferrante) is doing there."

Westbrook has no ordinance regarding nudity or exotic dancing. Hallett said he believes a strip club is permitted in that zone.

"It has fallen under that category in other jurisdictions," he said. "We will have to do what is necessary to protect their business interests. If we need to go to court, we will go to court."

by Melanie Creamer, Portland Press Herald, September 21, 2010

Lakes:
Regions: Sebago


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News