Three Idaho bars hit with suspension
A risque ladies night out at the 3rd Wheel in Lewiston last November apparently went too far, according to the Idaho State Police, and has resulted in a $10,000 fine and 15-day liquor license suspension for the establishment.
The Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau has levied the penalty against Weber Inc., the parent company under which the Alibi, Sports Edition and the 3rd Wheel bars operate at 1702 Main St. According to documents released by the state police through a public records request, an event advertised as the “Ultimate Males Las Vegas Style Strip Show” resulted in activities that allegedly violated Idaho’s laws prohibiting nudity and simulated sex acts at establishments licensed to sell beer, wine or alcohol.
Business owner Theresa Clark said all three bars will be closed during the suspension, which will take place between June 28 and July 13, and maintenance will be done during that time. She said the fine and closure are hitting their business hard.
“My poor staff, that’s what really kills me,” Clark said. “I can’t pay them if I’m not bringing money in.”
The state police sent two undercover officers to the event to act as patrons and observe the traveling male revue, according to documents. The male dancers, one dressed only in a revealing thong, apparently performed lap dances for women in the audience and allegedly simulated sex acts, according to the state police reports. Dancers also exposed their buttocks and portions of their genitals, and inappropriate touching is alleged to have taken place on the part of both dancers and audience members.
The state police initially filed a complaint to revoke the business’ retail alcohol beverage license, but settled with Clark for the fine and suspension.
Clark wasn’t present at the event, but said even if she was she wouldn’t necessarily have recognized there was an infraction taking place.
“(The revue company) worked in Idaho before at several places,” Clark said. “And they were told before they started, ‘You’re in Idaho, follow Idaho laws’ and the main guy that was running it went to his dancers and said ‘Remember, boys, we’re in Idaho.’ ”
The bars will reopen after July 13 for business as usual.
“All of the ladies that were (at the show) were over 21, they’re all adults and I’m sure you could watch anything you saw there on TV,” Clark said. “But that still doesn’t change anything, you know. I feel so bad for my staff and hopefully we can come back from it.”