The Pink Pony South and Crazy Horse Saloon -- two of metro Atlanta’s most famous clubs -- say they’ll appeal the loss of their business and alcohol licenses, Channel 2 Action News reports.
A municipal compliance officer on Monday handed down his decision revoking the licenses after hearing evidence the two businesses engaged in what Forest Park officials alleged were activities in violation of their restaurant licenses.
The businesses have denied the allegations. They have 30 days to appeal the ruling and can stay open during that time.
City officials have said they have video evidence of illegal activity, with employees touching and exposing themselves to customers in violation of city and state laws.
The order to revoke the licenses says both businesses continue to operate as adult entertainment venues even though they are no longer licensed as strip clubs, as they once were.
"If these two operations had performed as the ordinance asked, this would never have taken place,” Forest Park City Manager John Parker told Channel 2. "It appears that there might have been some illegal activity with some of the ladies.”
Aubrey Villines, attorney for the clubs, said, "If somebody sits on my lap, that does not make me an adult entertainment club."
Villines said the Pink Pony and Crazy Horse were unfairly targeted and harassed by Forest Park.
"We were visited more often, about four times more often, than other consumption clubs,” the attorney said.
The clubs are prepared to challenge the decision in Clayton County Superior Court, Villines said.
Forest Park’s investigation of the two clubs began when officers investigating a fight at the Crazy Horse looked at a surveillance video and allegedly saw illegal activity taking place. Police obtained a search warrant and seized the video.
