Strip clubs allowed to stay open rules California judge

The ruling effectively weakens the recent lockdown, which was imposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order, issued on Dec. 3 for an effective date of Dec. 7.

According to The Blaze, the order does "require bars, wineries, hair salons and other nonessential businesses across five areas to close for three weeks once a region's intensive care capacity falls below 15 percent."

The preliminary injunction issued by San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil found that the state of California had not submitted sufficient evidence to prove that strip clubs encourage the spread of the novel coronavirus. It reads, in its conclusion:

"..Accordingly, the court finds that Plaintiffs have been devoid of Covid, have done nothing to contribute to the spread of COVID, and have honored their representations to [Executive Director of the City of San Diego's Human Relations Commission and International Affairs Board] Dr. Joel Day and the County."

Judge Wolhfeil also wrote in the injunction that the ruling was equally applicable to "San Diego County businesses with restaurant services," also exempting them specifically from the shutdown ordered by Governor Newsom.

The injunction further states:

"Any governmental entity or law enforcement officer are hereby enjoined from enforcing the provisions of the cease and desist order, or any related orders including the State's Regional Stay Home Order, that prevent 1) plaintiffs from providing live adult entertainment; and

"2) San Diego County businesses with restaurant service, such as plaintiffs' establishments, from continuing to operate their respective businesses, subject to protocols that are no greater than is essential to further defendants' response to control the spread of COVID."

Cheetas and Pacers, the two adult entertainment venues that are named as the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, will be able to continue to open and tear up their cease and desist orders. A spokesperson for Cheetahs, commented:

"Cheetahs and Pacers will continue to operate in a manner that takes all appropriate and essential measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while at the same time providing a means for their staff to earn a livelihood."

Newsom's office responded with the following:

"While we are disappointed in the court's decision today, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the health and safety of all Californians. Our legal team is reviewing options to determine next steps."