Tolland Council Extends Hearing On Adult Entertainment Ordinance

TOLLAND, CT — The public input period on a proposed change to a local ordinance governing adult entertainment venues has been extended by a dozen days amid a protest by the Electric Blue Cafe.

The town council made the move this week so the town's legal staff can look over a letter submitted by a lawyer representing Denning Enterprises, the parent company of the strip club at at 62 Merrow Road.

The letter was submitted in connection with a change proposed for Chapter 51-10 of the local ordinances, which outlines the procedure after an adult entertainment license is revoked or suspended.

One of the changes would be to strike language that would keep the business closed during an appeal.

The letter claims the change would violate due process because it does not provide the applicant a right to notice of a hearing prior to its license being revoked or suspended.

The current wording of Ordinance 51-10 immediately revokes the license rights but included a stay on the revocation during an appeal.

Council member Lou said the language as proposed "is on firm ground," and cited case law. He said an entity can suspend a license as long as it gives an opportunity for the suspended party to come into compliance.

The opportunity to appeal to the Council and have a hearing satisfies the due process, he said.

Still, council members agreed that it should be reviewed by the town attorney and Town Manager Brian Foley said the letter has ben forwarded.

The council then extended the public hearing to its Oct 24, 2023 regular meeting, pending a review by the town attorney.