Strip club owner wants to open medical marijuana dispensary

Last year, Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration allowed the Mandera-owned strip club to stay open in exchange for $2.5 million in disputed back taxes and legal fees.

The mayor softened the blow of a settlement that resolved a 19-year legal battle by using the money to establish a new shelter for victims of domestic violence.

 The city had tried since 1993 to shut the club down on grounds its dancers exposed too much of the female anatomy. VIP’s had countered by challenging the constitutionality of a city ordinance that makes it illegal to sell liquor and offer semi-nude dancing at the same establishment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *