Altoona City Council discusses designated areas for strip clubs

Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Bridget Curran - WQOW reporter

Eau Claire (WQOW) - Nude dancing hasn't come to Altoona yet, but if it does, the city council wants to be prepared with a more defined set of rules.

"This would be more than just a distraction, it would be detrimental to the community," David Rowe, an Altoona City Council member, said.

Rowe's words and more, were spoken in December, when residents came out in force to tell their city council that a strip club would strip Altoona of its dignity.

"Right now nude dancing can be anywhere where there isn't a licensed establishment, IE, any establishment that serves alcohol," Ronald Arruejo, a management analyst fellow for the City of Altoona, said.

The City's Manager Mike Golat said that while the proposal was shot down, it blind-sided the city. Council members are now looking to strengthen some of the current laws. No one can outlaw nude dancing because it falls under the outer limits of the first amendment of the constitution. But, they can restrict it from happening near certain areas like parks, schools and homes. 

There are two recommended areas where nude dancing could be allowed, and those areas are being considered by city council on Thursday night.

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