STRIP CLUBS Nightclub execs file 2 complaints

They contend state senators are being bullied into voting for a restrictive bill.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Nightclub executives upset with proposed restrictions on strip clubs have filed two complaints alleging a religious group has threatened state senators to get them to vote for the bill.
Phillip Burress, the executive director of the Citizens for Community Values, wrote supporters in an e-mail that if he had to, he would form a political action committee to campaign against senators who voted against the proposed nightclub legislation.
The Buckeye Association of Nightclub Executives said the Cincinnati-based group has violated restrictions on political activity by nonprofit organizations.
The association also asserted in the complaints that the organization used improper lobbying tactics to bully senators into favoring the bill.
Its lobbyist, Neil Clark, filed complaints with both the state Elections Commission and the legislative inspector general Monday. The commission will hold a hearing Dec. 1.
The bill's most controversial section places statewide restrictions on clubs that include keeping dancers at least 6 feet from patrons and closing down all dance shows at 11 p.m.
Opposition
Opponents of the bill, which has already passed the House, testified that the restrictions will hurt, if not kill, adult businesses that are violating no laws and serving consenting adult customers.
The bill could come up for a vote in the Senate this week.
Burress said lawyers review the activities of the group, which he pointed out has separate charitable and lobbying arms.
Deputy Legislative Inspector General Don Petit said e-mails submitted with the complaint appear to be to the group's members, not lawmakers. He said it doesn't look like Burress, who is not a registered lobbyist, violated any lobbying laws.