Strip clubs bring sex trafficking concerns
»Play Video
YAKIMA, Wash. -- Like it or not, Yakima city council passed two ordinances that allow strip clubs in the city.
However, it won't be too easy for a potential owner to open shop. They'll have to get three separate licenses: a business license, an adult entertainment enterprise license and any dancers or entertainers will have to get a special license.
Plus, owners will have to sit through a screening and background check with Yakima Police.
Authorities also say the background check will determine if potential owners have any history with sex or human trafficking or using their business as a front for crime.
The city says if YPD gives a bad referral, that business owner might be denied.
We asked Yakima City Attorney, Mark Kunkler, if the city has the legal right to deny a business owner a license.
“Yes,” Kunkler said. “And actually it's fairly common throughout the state of Washington."
The strip clubs have to stay at least 800 feet away from places like schools, churches and playgrounds.And, they are only allowed to industrial zone areas, which limits them to spots around River Road, South First Street and the airport.
People around town that we talked to have mixed opinions about the adult entertainment, but some of the neighbors we talked to who live in the “OK” zone say they don't want to be the ones who have to have strip clubs in their backyard.
Paul Castro has lived near one of those zones in north Yakima for five years. He told KIMA he thinks it’s unfortunate to live near the zone. He says he worries about the safety of his wife and five children if a strip club opens near him.
Just around the corner, another neighbor agrees.
"This is like a community where all the kids kind of grow up together,” Jessica Pedricco said.
Even though the city may give its approval, Paul says-- even after living in his home for 5 years--he'll pack up if a strip club opens near him.
"That would actually cause me to move; me to move my family,” Paul said. “I wouldn't want to be next to a business like that."
However, it won't be too easy for a potential owner to open shop. They'll have to get three separate licenses: a business license, an adult entertainment enterprise license and any dancers or entertainers will have to get a special license.
Plus, owners will have to sit through a screening and background check with Yakima Police.
Authorities also say the background check will determine if potential owners have any history with sex or human trafficking or using their business as a front for crime.
The city says if YPD gives a bad referral, that business owner might be denied.
We asked Yakima City Attorney, Mark Kunkler, if the city has the legal right to deny a business owner a license.
“Yes,” Kunkler said. “And actually it's fairly common throughout the state of Washington."
The strip clubs have to stay at least 800 feet away from places like schools, churches and playgrounds.And, they are only allowed to industrial zone areas, which limits them to spots around River Road, South First Street and the airport.
People around town that we talked to have mixed opinions about the adult entertainment, but some of the neighbors we talked to who live in the “OK” zone say they don't want to be the ones who have to have strip clubs in their backyard.
Paul Castro has lived near one of those zones in north Yakima for five years. He told KIMA he thinks it’s unfortunate to live near the zone. He says he worries about the safety of his wife and five children if a strip club opens near him.
Just around the corner, another neighbor agrees.
"This is like a community where all the kids kind of grow up together,” Jessica Pedricco said.
Even though the city may give its approval, Paul says-- even after living in his home for 5 years--he'll pack up if a strip club opens near him.
"That would actually cause me to move; me to move my family,” Paul said. “I wouldn't want to be next to a business like that."
Like it or not? Assuredly not. 800 feet is a stones throw from schools, etc. That is a joke. I agree with "low life" on the criminal aspect. He/she nailed it. What sort of people engage in "nasty" for a business? Hmm? The real cost to the community will be when sexually perverted individuals become titillated, and leave the "licensed" business with all inhibitions removed, and prey on the young and defenseless.Â
Â
A local TV station reported earlier, when this monster first reared its ugly head, that a study of other such "adult" clubs found there were no problems on premises. There won't be, in the minds of those of loose morals, and who would trash the morals of others. However, coincident with the news broad cast were three or four strip clubs on the West side that were shut down for on-site problems. Know this, when the rapes and child molestations take a jump, nobody, but nobody, will tie it to the businesses, if allowed to exist. Â
Â
Be sure and know your sin will find you out. We will all stand before the Judge and give account of our lives.
Background checks do not insure against owners receiving funding from unsavory sources. Criminal organizations have used the practice of backing "clean' owners to control legitimate business for centuries. Strip clubs in Yakima could, and probably will, be under the control of organized crime. Look at it this way. How easy would it bet for a formerly honest government official, or for that matter a wannabe bar owner with little means, to give in to the temptation of big money.
Â
That being said, this might be an opportunity for law enforcement to get inside some criminal organizations. Any down and out club owners wanna play ball?Â