'For a period of five years, the defendants (Penthouse) engaged in repeated, flagrant defiance of the city ordinances and state statutes,' Kenny said in his opinion. While Hall said there was 'was no prostitution going on at the club whatsoever' and undercover officers did not see dancers disrobe or give them money, Kenny found that there is 'no credible need for the curtain' and the darkened club areas other than for giving privacy for sexual activity. Based on that agreement, the club couldn't have had dark or curtained-off areas, both of which officials said vice officers found this year.Īccording to Kenny's opinion, dancers at Penthouse were soliciting sexual activity from undercover officers, then bringing them to the dark, curtained-off sections of the club.

Hall said that past cases against individuals at the club have been dropped, and that after the city ordered the remodel, Penthouse complied with all its requirements.Īccording to the court opinion and city officials, the city tried to work with Penthouse for years - even through several violations - to make sure management understood and followed regulations.Īfter violations in 2016, the club agreed to close for three months and remodel to fit city codes. Penthouse's attorney, Cyril Hall, said the club is 'saddened by the determination of the court,' but that Penthouse maintains that no prostitution was happening in the club. Kenny also ordered that items inside Penthouse be auctioned off, noting that all 'furniture, fixtures and contents including intoxicating liquor' are a public nuisance because they 'enhanced' the 'illicit behavior' that went on at the club.ĭoug Baker, chief of criminal enforcement and quality of life with the Detroit Law Department, said the city is still looking into what items in the club can be sold and which are bolted down or part of the building.

Vice city strip club