TRUMBULL COUNTY Officials want to inspect private, adults-only club

The club has not paid room tax to the county.
By STEPHEN SIFF
and PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HARTFORD -- The Trumbull County Health Department plans to turn a cold shower on a private club for adult parties that has operated without legal trouble since 1979.
On its Web site, Kay's Country Home advertises a relaxed atmosphere for "open-minded, liberal" individuals over 21 who enjoy an "alternative lifestyle." It also features pictures of club rooms with dance floor, beds and a leather swing.
But it is the hot tub that makes the Trumbull County Health Department want to test the water.
"I think that would qualify as a spa, and they need to get approval and get a license," said Frank Migliozzi, director of environmental health.
He said the department planned to serve notice to club owners today.
Owner Kay Hovis said she does not believe she needs a license.
"Do you have a license for the hot tub in your home?" Hovis asked. "I don't need one."
The club, in what appears to be a house on state Route 7, may also be required to obtain a food service license if inspectors determine that food is a valuable part of the service provided, Migliozzi said.
Food is not served, Hovis said. The Web site, however, advertises soft drinks and snacks during Saturday and Friday night parties. Some special events featured buffets, the Web site said.
"It is for adults, a place were adults can come and meet," she said. "Nobody is forced to do anything."
Other details
The Web site states the site is for people who enjoy an alternative lifestyle.
"You must also be an open-minded and liberal-thinking individual," the Web site states.
Hovis declined to say how many people attend the parties.
Admission is by reservation only, and new guests are required to submit to a telephone interview beforehand, the Web site says.
The use of three private bedrooms rooms is limited to 45 minutes. However, "limited overnight accommodation is available on a first-come, first-served basis."
Kay's Country Home does not collect the room tax that Trumbull County accommodations are required to charge their guests, Trumbull County Visitor and Convention Bureau officials said.
The home on state Route 7 has not caused an excessive number of fire or police calls, or spurred many complaints from neighbors, said township Trustee Randy Smith. He and zoning inspector Bill Eckart said they didn't really know what goes on there.
"You see people out there Friday and Saturday night and you hear rumors," Smith said.
Eckart said he does not know if the establishment has violated zoning laws.
"I've never had a formal complaint to check it out," Eckart said.
siff@vindy.com
sinkovich@vindy.com