Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
STAFF WRITER
Though a proposed “gentlemen’s club” would be located outside the Clovis city limits, several individuals attended Thursday’s city commission meeting at Clovis-Carver Library to vent their frustrations about the club.
Diana Duran approached the commissioners to inquire about how they feel about the possible gentlemen’s club, as well as to ask if anything can be done by the city to prevent the establishment from opening within Curry County.
Duran referred to Dwight McDonald — the man allegedly behind the club who did not attend the meeting — as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” She demanded the commission draft an ordinance to prevent the gentlemen’s club from opening near the city.
Despite the opposition to the establishment, Mayor David Lansford said this could not be done.
“As I understand, a gentlemen’s club is ... not something that most of us would want to have,” he said, adding that an “ordinance for businesses outside the city is just not possible.”
Lansford also noted that the county does not have the authority to prevent the club, either.
“I think they would have to start with some zoning regulations,” Lansford said of the county. “And that’s a very time-consuming process.”
The prospect of Curry County being a dry county, and patrons of the adult entertainment club possibly bringing their own alcohol, was also discussed.
Commissioner Sandra Taylor-Sawyer said a “bring your own bottle” allowance is illegal in the state of New Mexico.
This tidbit made the meeting’s audience — which packed the room — erupt in applause.
Clovis High School teacher Sheri Carpenter offered several statistics correlating sex industry establishments with an increase in violence.
She also noted that many high school students attend Clovis Community College, which is not far from where the possible gentlemen’s club may be located.
“These minors will have daily exposure to people (going) to this club,” Carpenter said.
All four citizens who spoke to the commission about the club opposed it.
