The row of strip clubs and bars in nearby Metairie called “Fat City” has been a breeding ground of crime for years. Even as recently as two weeks ago, arrests were made involving prostitution and drug dealing.
But just 20 miles away, St. Charles Parish is spared many of the problems that face the area thanks to an ordinance that keeps strip clubs and x-rated stores out of the parish.
Since 1994, a code has been in place that strictly prohibits the sale, display or manufacturing of obscene material in the parish. Before the code was enacted, there were no rules specifically outlawing such businesses.
There are limited exceptions to the code for recognized and established schools, churches, physicians and medical clinics or hospitals. The exceptions were made so that schools can teach sex education classes and physicians can have diagrams to show patients.
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said that the code was enacted after problems arose in the parish.
“There were a couple of incidents at some bars where there was some exotic dancing going on in a back room,” Champagne said. “I think some places were cited or some people were arrested for obscenity. The parish kind of jumped in and said ‘We want this to stop.’”
Tim Vial, chief administrative officer for the parish, said that other problems with obscenity also arose in the parish with an adult video store before the code was enacted.
According to the code, any person or organization of people in violation can be issued a misdemeanor, and upon conviction can be fined a maximum of $100, sentenced to a maximum of 30 days in jail or both.
“Evidently it’s been effective because we haven’t had any problems since the code was enacted,” Vial said.
Champagne said that while he is not sure if strip clubs and x-rated stores would bring a significant rise in crime to the area if they were legal, he still does not think they are a good idea for St. Charles.
“I am not in favor of strip clubs in our parish. There may be a situation where they could be legal, but I just think we’re better off without them,” he said.
He also said that some entrepreneurs and business owners have “put out feelers” in the parish to see if that type of business would do well, but found that there wasn’t much of a market for it.
“We’re more of a suburban type area, not like Fat City,” Champagne said.
Parish President V.J. St. Pierre agreed saying that strip clubs and x-rated stores would not only hurt the parish’s atmosphere, but would also give young people unneeded diversion.
“St. Charles Parish has historically been a family-friendly place, and this section of the code helps us keep it that way,” St. Pierre said. “People, especially young people, already have enough distractions to keep them from doing the right thing without the addition of these activities.”
Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Cynthia Lee-Sheng feels the same way.
Lee-Sheng is pushing for new zoning in Fat City that will prohibit adult entertainment clubs and clear the way for retail shops and more family-friendly businesses in the area.
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