Judge blocks ban of liquor at nude bars

CLEVELAND (AP) -- A federal judge has blocked a proposed state regulation banning liquor sales at nude dancing clubs. U.S. District Judge Ann Aldrich, in a ruling Thursday, rejected an attempt by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to regulate the clubs. She said the proposed rule was too broad and unconstitutional.
The decision marked the third time in five years that Judge Aldrich said such a rule would have violated First Amendment rights.
"This is a major victory for freedom of expression in Ohio," said J. Michael Murray, the lawyer for several clubs that challenged the proposed rule.
Attorneys for the state said the goal of the proposed rule was to prevent "undesirable secondary effects" of the combination of liquor and adult entertainment. State officials cited prostitution, drugs and fights as reasons for the rule.
Christie's Cabarets in Brunswick, Cleveland and Youngstown and the nonprofit Buckeye Association of Club Executives organization claimed the new version was overly broad.
State officials said they were reviewing Judge Aldrich's order to decide whether to appeal.