Jackson Free Press

The Jackson City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday not to renew the business license of nude-bar owner Gilbert Paige, who owns Centerfolds and Girls of Paradise.

Mayor Frank Melton personally oversaw the closure of both bars last month, claiming dancers violated several city ordinances regulating nude dancing.

Jackson police made several arrests for the violations.

The council was cold to the idea of renewing the licenses at an earlier hearing. Only Council President Marshand Crisler was leery of risking a First Amendment lawsuit against the city from Paige and his attorney, Charles Homan Jr.

"I'm a lawmaker, not the morals police, and as a lawmaker I'm interested in making sure businesses follow the law in this city. I don't declare war on immorality. That's not my job," Crisler said.

Homan said last week that he did not expect the council to renew the license.

"The council is not very warm to my client, but he is still a business owner in the city who brings money to the community," Homan said.

The council said Paige was welcome to re-submit his license application for council consideration. Paige told The Clarion-Ledger that he would make sure "all T's are crossed and I's dotted."

Previous Comments

ID

65537

Comment

I don't have anything constructive to say right now. I just find the title HILARIOUS! Guess it takes a man to come up with that...:snicker:.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-09T00:59:57-06:00

ID

65538

Comment

This is the funniest headline EVER... I can't recall one more memorable. “I’m a lawmaker, not the morals police, and as a lawmaker I’m interested in making sure businesses follow the law in this city. I don’t declare war on immorality. That’s not my job,” Crisler said. Amen!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-03-09T08:10:47-06:00

ID

65539

Comment

Adam you could write headlines for Jay Leno.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-09T09:28:17-06:00

ID

65540

Comment

Be careful Adam!!! Frank just may have to shut you down too! He blames this "problem" on the people from neighboring counties because he looks at the tags on the cars in the parking lot. Frank.....common sense should kick in here. A lot of people that live right here in Jackson have out of town tags, especially the ones that you have hired to run the city.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T12:03:53-06:00

ID

65541

Comment

If we apply the "not Hinds county plates" rule as grounds to close a business Hal and Mal's is in trouble! Silly me, and I thought out of town $ coming in was a good thing.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-09T12:29:00-06:00

ID

65542

Comment

The mayor has this pre-conceived notion that Jackson can function without money from anywhere except within the city itself. He will readily hire from outside the city, and then turn around and say that "outsiders" are the problem. He speaks from both sides of his mouth. We (Jackson) are steadily losing our tax base due to the loss of business revenue and residential taxes and so forth. We are a shrinking city and this cowboy cannot figure out that he needs to try and keep what we have here and at the same time partner with our neighboring cities. Instead he is alienating Jackson from everyone. We all need each other. But Mr Self Righteous dosen't think so.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T16:31:45-06:00

ID

65543

Comment

You should be able to change this to "TheTitty vs the City" shortly. I hear Babes is going to sue the city.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-13T10:30:59-06:00

ID

65544

Comment

They are. To an extreme extent...right down to individuals on the police/vice squad. They are also trying to force judge Wingate's hand on the ruling he said was coming weeks ago. Perhaps now we will have a voice, one with some money, that is the only one that gets heard. Centerfolds and Girls of Paradise have submitted applications for new licenses. The city has 30 days to determine whether or not they will grant them. Hopefully this won't be the case for Babe's, but Melton is looking for any little loophole he can find/create. All of the clubs in Jxn are operating on temp. lic. That is only because the city fails to rule on them in the appropriate time length. They sure will take the money to do the processing, though.

Author

Angela

Date

2006-03-14T23:07:28-06:00

ID

65545

Comment

Other business-owners must beware or become more aware of Melton's tactics. If he can get away with closing down legitimate businesses simply because he doesn't like what it portrays, what's to stop him from closing down dance clubs or other types of businesses HE deems immoral or illegal? Remember the old adage, "when 'they' came for the other person, I did nothing, but when 'they' came for me, there was no one around to give aid to me". Whether we like the adult entertainment business or not, they have first amendment rights also. If we as citizens don't speak up now with ONE voice and force our City Council representatives to speak on our behalf, we will soon find ourselves under a "police state", with Mr. Melton being the dictator. Again I say....BUSINESS OWNERS BEWARE! YOU COULD BE NEXT. THIS INCLUDES THE JACKSON FREE PRESS!

Author

Joerob

Date

2006-03-15T15:22:52-06:00

ID

65546

Comment

Saw something interesting the other day... Can't remember which day it was. Anyway, a nearby business owner was saying if the strip clubs go, she'll have to go as a result. Said the patrons were respectable, friendly and nice and that they made her (as a business) feel more secure. Said she'd never had problems from the patrons. I think it was a restaurant. So, by shutting down the clubs, he may be shutting down more businesses indirectly. And, recently, an idiot wrote an idiotorial to the Ledge saying Frank should also shut down the "gay and lesbian" bars. One quote comes to mind... "This town needs an enema."

Author

kaust

Date

2006-03-15T15:27:00-06:00

ID

65547

Comment

Love the adage, joerob. I might add, an old man told me one time that "strip clubs were a wonderful thing because an old man rarely has enough reasons to keep opening his eyes." He went on to say he has "a hard time seeing those numbers and alphabets down at the doctor's office but his eyesight always got miraculously better down at the strip club. I vote for keeping old men happy.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-15T15:47:55-06:00

ID

65548

Comment

I would be willing to bet that at least six out of ten men have been to a strip club at least once. I'll go even further to say that 6.75 of those ten had a good time. I'll leave that .25% for FM because he obviously dosen't get it. We are adults. We have the right to spend our money where we please. If you want to see some REAL illegal activity in a strip club you will have to go much farther than Jackson. We have burgularies, carjackings, assault, and everything else on the rise but the strip clubs are getting all of the attention. There was a story on the news just recently about cars being vandalized in the Belhaven area. There was a home invasion in northwest Jackson. There was a car theft in South Jackson. Where was the mayor? These people that were interviewed were visibly shaken, but where was Frank? During his campaign for the mayor's office he made a controversial trip over on Bell street and made an issue of an elderly lady that was severely beaten. Where is he now? Probably getting ready for a free peek into the remaining strip clubs that he hasn't closed. He will not come to these people's attention because he has nothing to tell them now. I'll bet that if someone was reported to be swinging from a pole getting tips in their G-string he would be there before the you coould blink.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-15T17:07:09-06:00

ID

65549

Comment

If he can get away with closing down legitimate businesses simply because he doesn't like what it portrays, what's to stop him from closing down dance clubs or other types of businesses HE deems immoral or illegal?-Joerob Great point Joerob. The key word is "HE". All you ever hear is what "HE" thinks. Frank........no one gives a rat's #%@ what you think.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-15T17:10:11-06:00

ID

65550

Comment

Lance, you forgot the bank robbery in Fondren yesterday in broad daylight! It's what -- 1.5 miles from one station and about 3 miles from another? Let's see... Houses being burglarized on Meadowbrook and banks being robbed. Melton, we feel much safer on my street. Good thing you got Vidal!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-03-15T17:11:42-06:00

ID

65551

Comment

You're right Knol. My head hurts from trying to keep up with everything that is slipping by Frank. That's the second time that I can recently remember that that bank was hit. A guy robbed that bank recently and was either apprehended or shot by a police officer. I wonder what gang Frank is going to blame this on?

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-15T17:19:27-06:00

ID

65552

Comment

I'll admit I went once or twice to a strip club while in Houston. Those old fellows who snatched me away from corrupt corporate America said I was uncultured and country since I came from Mississippi. To culture me up to their standards they made me buy tailored suits that I hated and took me to a strip club. But I remembered the teachings my elders had given me and closed my eyes the whole time I was in there.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-15T17:22:36-06:00

ID

65553

Comment

In light of this robbery, i know at amsouth anytime i have a hat or sunglasses on they immediately ask me to remove them, no matter how good i look in them. lance, he was shot in the parking lot but it was a gray area don't know who did what. Back to the original point, did the employees just let policy slip by for this indivdual? Anyone missing a Lab?

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-03-15T17:25:46-06:00

ID

65554

Comment

You could be right SuperStar. I vaguely remember the particulars, but I do remember that the same bank has been robbed, or attempted robbery recently. Ray.........did you just peek even a little?

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-15T17:31:10-06:00

ID

65555

Comment

No, I didn't Superstar. I was raised right and knew I wasn't supposed to be looking at nothing like that. Because I didn't look, to this day, I'm still a good boy. I think the Mayor might be on something. Sorry, I meant onto something. I imagine the mayors point is that if you don't look at something you're not supposed to see then you won't to tempted to seek that which you're not suppose to have. I understand this reasoning quite well.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-15T17:40:41-06:00

ID

65556

Comment

{i]Saw something interesting the other day... Can't remember which day it was. Anyway, a nearby business owner was saying if the strip clubs go, she'll have to go as a result. Said the patrons were respectable, friendly and nice and that they made her (as a business) feel more secure. Said she'd never had problems from the patrons. I think it was a restaurant. I saw that too. She was concerned about having an empty building across the street from her. There was a story on the news just recently about cars being vandalized in the Belhaven area. There was a home invasion in northwest Jackson. There was a car theft in South Jackson. Where was the mayor? These people that were interviewed were visibly shaken, but where was Frank? Guess there weren't enough photo ops. He did show up at the March on Crime today. Lots of people, and lots of cameras. But I remembered the teachings my elders had given me and closed my eyes the whole time I was in there. Wow. If it were me, I would have hid in the restroom. That's why I never go to bachelorette parties. Having a guy dance in front of me with nothing but a bowtie and Speedos on would make me feel so guilty, I'd probably be at the altar every Sunday for a year. Guess I'm just an old prude, huh? :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-15T21:18:09-06:00

ID

65557

Comment

If these were anything other than strip clubs people would be up in arms. Imagine if frank had stated that Mexican Restraunts didn't represent Jackson and he was going to "find a way" to shut them down. Then over the next month with the help of JPD closes all but one. So five businesses closed, 180 or so people unemployed, and 2 other "legit" businesses that get all their clientele from those on the brink. As for the gay/ lez bars don't be so sure. I understand Headliners was threatened by JPD the other weekend when they planned on hosting "girls gone wild".

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-16T02:33:30-06:00

ID

65558

Comment

I'm not defending Melton, but shouldn't we keep a little context in mind here? I remember the lawsuits and arrests and controversies surrounding Danny's, Tiffany's, and Secret's Cabaret during the Ditto and Johnson administrations. It's not like this is a particularly new thing. Marshand Crisler's attitude about this, which is the same as my attitude about this, has not traditionally been the attitude of our mayors. Johnson's relatively calm attitude about the clubs over the past few years has been a rare exception in our city's history. Melton's policies aren't great, but a lot of southern cities have mayors who are trying to shut down local strip clubs and yes, it sucks, but no, it's not particularly shocking or particularly unusual, even for Jackson. I'm more concerned about the stuff that is unusual, like the raids, the armed bodyguards, the physical threats against journalists, the secrecy, and so forth, because that could represent a progression in a very negative direction. But this is too small of a step backwards to represent a slippery slope. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-03-16T03:24:29-06:00

ID

65559

Comment

I think that rather than try and run these businesses out of town why not go out and bring in new ones? Strip clubs have been around for ages and have been given more attention than it's worth. I still say that there are bigger fish to fry than going around telling adults what they can and cannot do. These clubs are legal, money making, tax paying establishments just as are liquor stores. You'll probably never see him attack liquor stores even though drunk drivers are a leading cause of deaths in the US. I would love to see him help the needy rather than tell people what HE says is immoral or not. Jackson just received 154 more people on the unemployment line when Verizon laid off a large number of people last week at their Clinton MS office. It would behove the city to look into a program designed to help the unemployed to find work, not just the people at Verizon, but anyone willing to work.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-16T03:59:27-06:00

ID

65560

Comment

If it were me, I would have hid in the restroom. That's why I never go to bachelorette parties. Having a guy dance in front of me with nothing but a bowtie and Speedos on would make me feel so guilty, I'd probably be at the altar every Sunday for a year. Wow. This is SO the opposite reaction to the one I had the first time I went to a male strip club. ;) But, L.W., I did have a friend like you with me when we went to see the male dancers and we imparted this teeny little bit of advice: When they walk up and begin dancing ON you, if you give them a dollar they stop and move on to the next woman. Watching this girl blush fire engine red with a stripper grinding on her leg while she screamed "SOMEONE GIVE ME A DOLLAR! SOMEONE GIVE ME A DOLLAR!" remains to be one of my funniest memories. I wish more people would go away if you gave them a dollar. "Melton, here's a dollar. Now, stop humping my leg."

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-03-16T07:31:41-06:00

ID

65561

Comment

That was good!

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-16T08:05:47-06:00

ID

65562

Comment

I guess I should come clean. I told y'all before it's nearly impossible to tell when I'm lying or telling the truth. My aversion is to drugs and alcohol not woman. I didn't close my eyes as stated earlier and I knew all the guys knew I was joking. One of the girls called me goo goo eyes. I guess that meant my eyes were stretched wide open. The guys joked they thought they would have to call Joe's Wrecker Services to get me to leave. Ali, I think the money thing works just the opposite with the female strippers. As long as you're giving them money they will hang around. When you stop giving the money is when they leave.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-16T09:39:19-06:00

ID

65563

Comment

"SOMEONE GIVE ME A DOLLAR! SOMEONE GIVE ME A DOLLAR!" If I did that, I'd never be able to live that down! I can see it now: somebody poking me in the back of the head and saying, "I'll stop if you give me a dollar." LOL

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-16T12:25:53-06:00

ID

65564

Comment

LW. Can you not conceive the moments in the clubs as temporary fun then go home and forget about it without feeling so much shame or guilt. I'm not saying going there is a moral act. It probably isn't. But it seems kind of harmless in most instances. However, I respect your view. I have had it. And will likely have it again.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-16T12:33:17-06:00

ID

65565

Comment

I'm more concerned about the stuff that is unusual, like the raids, the armed bodyguards, the physical threats against journalists, the secrecy, and so forth, because that could represent a progression in a very negative direction. But this is too small of a step backwards to represent a slippery slope (comments from Tom Head) My point, Mr. Head, is simply this...when one business is unduly threatened, ALL businesses have the potential of being threatened, especially in light of Mr. Melton's past. Now how many legal businesses has he shut down since his eight months in office? Four, five, six? At this pace, he has about twenty more to go before his tenure ends. I thought his job as mayor was to bring jobs TO Jackson, not take them away from a city that desperately needs all the tax money it can get. Melton's tactics could well be the trojan horse to rid the city of any business he detests. To all Jacksonians, speak now or forever hold your peace or get ready to pay more taxes on your car tags. By the way, I don't know of ANY mayor in a major Southern city... Atlanta, Birmingham, N.O., Memphis, etc., who has made it his/her goal to close down all strip clubs. If so, someone please enlighten me.

Author

Joerob

Date

2006-03-18T09:20:02-06:00

ID

65566

Comment

Actually, those towns actually see the need to have industry such as that in order to incorporate some sort of entertainment for the out-of-towners that come in on business, hence the huge convention centers in each of these major cities. Our city is crumbling down around us and our mayor cares about putting criminals and Bahamians to work, take jobs from the people whose taxes pay his salary and gives a s#$% what the taxpayers think. And still, is there any real way to put an end to the dictatorial way he is imposing his "best interests" on the city?

Author

Angela

Date

2006-03-20T17:20:45-06:00

ID

65567

Comment

LW. Can you not conceive the moments in the clubs as temporary fun then go home and forget about it without feeling so much shame or guilt. No, Ray, not my feeble mind. Since I believe in the Rapture, I'd rather not take the chance of being there if it occurs while I'm watching sweaty men gyrate. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-20T19:56:39-06:00

ID

65568

Comment

Since I'm a God-fearing person too, all I can say is Amen, LW. Thank God for chances, grace and mercy.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-21T10:23:51-06:00

ID

65569

Comment

I assume a half-naked man dancing on my leg IS "rapture." Rapture: The state of being transported by a lofty emotion; ecstasy ;) Sorry you guys. I had to.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-03-21T10:31:55-06:00

ID

65570

Comment

Ali has a sense of humor. I'm shocked. Unfortunately we men know too well what you're speaking of.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-21T10:53:52-06:00

ID

65571

Comment

Question (with a nod to an earlier post of Tom Head's): Why isn't Danny's ever mentioned as being "raided" or closed? Is Danny's really that much above the others on securing a license? They were one of the prime targets of administrations-past but seem to be overlooked by Melton's crew. What gives? If I didn't know Frank was such an upstanding public figure beyond reproach, I would suspect some personal relationship...

Author

Rex

Date

2006-03-21T14:52:45-06:00

ID

65572

Comment

Maybe they ain't really stripping in Danny's, Rex. They could just be dranking and talking to people in there. Melton needs to shut up. We have already protected the city's moral standards by not having any male strip clubs in Jackson. What's uglier, more stomach-turning, and disgusting than having some hideous, rusty and stanky man shaking his grove thang all up on one of our lillies. Our lillies don't need that and I'm with the Mayor 100% on preventing it. Excuse me. The thought of this is making me throw up.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-21T15:16:11-06:00

ID

65573

Comment

Who wants to go to Danny's now that we know they are going to keep their pasties on! 8-p

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-03-21T15:22:06-06:00

ID

65574

Comment

You don't give us enough credit, Pikersam. After a few drinks and deep concentration our x-ray vision steps in. Trust me, we can see thru those. After 4 or 5 drinks and deeper concentration a woman could come out there wearing a car and we could still see what we needed to see. From a male perspective I think there is a greater problem with not being able to touch the woman. I assisted in chaperoning a party for some junior high school boys and girls one time. On of the boys kept placing his hand on a girl's behind. I asked him to stop doing it and to explain why he kept doing it. He said "to show her how much I love her." If the fine lady (stripper) is nice enough to dance for your money the least you could do is show her how much you love her. A 14 year old boy taught me this.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-21T15:44:50-06:00

ID

65575

Comment

All of the clubs are on temp lic.(the primary reason given for the other closures) Danny's had a girl on stage the first time FM went in and her g-string was down around her knees. No harm, no foul? Favoritism? I don't know how or who but it seems entirely possible. If the fed judge doesn't rule that the ordinance is unconstitutional the strip club business is doomed. Even a handshake is grounds for arrest. Can someone tell me where it is pefectly ok for an adult to buy a toy or lap dance in this democratic society of ours?

Author

Angela

Date

2006-03-22T00:35:20-06:00

ID

65576

Comment

I believe that Melton closed Dannys before he closed Babes. Of course they re-opened the next day, but he did do his famous "I'm going to shut you down" there too. If this idiot is sucessfull in closing all of the clubs, either we will do as we did during my college days and load up a van or station wagon and go to Memphis, Birmingham, New Orleans or we will hire private entertainment. I would like to see him rush up into my house with that fake badge and bulletproof vest. What the mayor needs to realize is that we are all adults. We ARE going to choose our own type of entertainment. And finally, if that's where we wish to spend our money, then there's no way in hell he can stop us. Even if we have to travel to another city. And that my friend is the bottom line.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-22T06:56:51-06:00

ID

65577

Comment

A friend told me to say, men will go crazy without lap dances. I can't speak for women, but I don't see why they need one or a toy.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-22T09:58:32-06:00

ID

65578

Comment

Babes vs Jax is on Monday the 27th. We'll see how it goes.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-22T10:40:09-06:00

ID

65579

Comment

JLYerg: Babes vs Jax Monday the 27th. Where and what time? It would be interesting to hear this case in person. Due to specificied Constitutional rights, I'd be surprised if Jackson won the case. Will Melton once again get egg thrown in his face? I wonder how much Jackson citizens will have to pay Babes if it loses the trial?

Author

Joerob

Date

2006-03-22T22:59:14-06:00