Coronavirus: Strip clubs essential business, should keep running: Superior Court

Californian authorities have since complied with the ruling, which came as 50,000 new COVID-19 infections and 393 fatalities were recorded.

Nimi Princewill • December 18, 2020

Gavel used to illustrate the story

Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil has exempted strip clubs in the county of San Diego from the newest COVID-19 restrictions in the state of California, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The controversial ruling, which comes amidst a resurgent surge of the virus, also granted waivers to restaurants across the county.

Governor Gavin Newsom had ordered the mandatory closure of many businesses across California’s counties, once there was a strain in intensive care unit capacity.

The restrictions were, however, challenged by two San Diego strip clubs – Pacers International Showgirls and Cheetahs Gentleman’s Club, which argued that they operated in line with COVID-19 safety protocols.

Delivering a preliminary injunction on December 16, Judge Wohlfeil barred state and county officials from enforcing restrictions against the strip clubs, including all “San Diego County businesses with restaurant service” that abide by coronavirus safety guidelines, the news outlet said.

San Diego County authorities have since complied with the ruling, which came the same day over 50,000 new COVID-19 infections and 393 fatalities were recorded statewide.

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