Two San Diego strip clubs can continue to operate provided they make a safe environment for dancers and customers, a judge ruled, dealing a setback to Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-home directive that calls for such establishments to be closed, NBC San Diego reported Friday.
San Diego Superior Judge Joel Wohlfeil issued his decision Wednesday after county officials had suspended restrictions that prohibit live entertainment and indoor dining and requested the court to get clarification from the judge about the extent of his ruling.
The judge said there was no strong evidence that allowing bars and restaurants to operate - with health and safety measures in place - adds to the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Wohlfeil's nine-page ruling prevents local authorities from imposing the latest set of prohibitions that went into effect in San Diego County on Dec. 3, not only against the two adult entertainment clubs - Pacers International Showgirls and Cheetahs Gentlemen's Club - but also "businesses with restaurant service" that conform with health and safety mandates.
The judge said that Pacers and Cheetahs have been in operation for five weeks during the global health crisis under their own set of safety standards, which included keeping the dancers 15 feet from tables, allowing only one stripper per stage and making it compulsory for them and club staff to wear face coverings.
While the judge said he was empathetic to authorities tasked with carrying out the state's health directives or risk losing government funding, he also pointed out that the businesses were vital. His ruling came on a day when San Diego County registered 2,807 new COVID infections and 23 more fatalities, with 301 patients in intensive care beds.
In reaction to the court's decision, the county said it will cancel the enforcement of activities against food establishments and live entertainment clubs until it receives clarification. San Diego local officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
