LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is investigating a Nulu establishment that officials said posed as a restaurant while operating as a strip club.
The business, "Thee Gentlemen's Club," located on East Market Street, recently had its liquor license revoked after authorities found it in violation of the city’s nudity ordinance.
WDRB Investigates filed an open records request from with the Kentucky ABC. In it, nearly 300 documents, including investigations by the city and state ABC.
The documents included pictures from inside the club. The pictures showed a stage with a pole, black carpeting with blue and pink designs, and some small rooms. Documents provided by ABC include social media posts showing bottle service staff at the club, suggesting activities inconsistent with a traditional restaurant setting.
Last year, Elizabeth Johnson, the club's owner, was granted a liquor license with operating hours until 4 a.m., contingent on a strict prohibition against adult entertainment, as defined by local ordinances.
In the documents, Johnson stated that there were no “stripper poles” in the club, clarifying, “There is a stage which I hope to use for live bands, but NO stripper pole.”
A picture taken inside Thee Gentlemen's Club in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood showed a pole in the center of an elevated stage. Image courtesy Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control. Nov. 7, 2024
Johnson is listed in documents saying she's a paralegal for a local attorney's office. WDRB contacted that office who said Johnson recently no longer works and couldn't get into the reason why.
However, Metro ABC reports that undercover detectives recently conducted surveillance using hidden cameras and documented nudity at the establishment.
In a Metro ABC hearing in August, a detective testified, "I don't have to go in and be a great detective to know when i walk into a place when i got a silver pole sitting in the middle of the stage, females running around and dancing "
Under city law, restaurants must derive at least 50% of their sales from food and non-alcoholic beverages. ABC investigators found evidence suggesting the club lacked the necessary infrastructure to qualify as a legitimate restaurant.
Photos taken on-site show two pizza ovens and a supply of frozen pizzas, with no evidence of kitchen staff, tables for dining, or adequate food storage. The club’s menu lists items such as pizza, Cup o' Noodles, and cheese sticks.
Thee Gentlemen's Club in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood claimed to be a restaurant, but the menu featured frozen pizza, Cracker Jacks and candy bars. Image courtesy Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control. Nov. 7, 2024
"From ABC's estimation, they didn't serve an adequate amount of food and they applied for a license in which they said they were going to serve food and really, all they served is dances," ABC Director Brad Silveria said last week.
Metro ABC said Johnson had testified that dancers were used to attract more business. ABC also said Johnson testified that she spent $10,000 on the kitchen, which included the two pizza ovens.
The business told ABC that dancers are independent contractors, and they're required to comply with all local ordinances.
ABC said signs are posted in the locker room there about the ordinance prohibiting nudity.
Attempts to reach Johnson and her attorney for comment were unsuccessful.
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