Is the city of Oakland Park targeting LGBTQ adult businesses? That’s what many are asking after the abrupt closure of Wilton Social Club (WSC), an adult sauna similar to Club Fort Lauderdale.
After opening in August, they were cited for code violations in January and then again in April. Last week, they were hauled into a hearing where they were told to cease operations immediately. But it didn’t stop there.
WSC owner Dominic Santarelli says they were ordered to clear out the space. With no imminent structural failures looming, this is an unusual step. Even more bizarre is the judge was able to order them to take down their social media accounts.
“Out of the blue we got these violations, and there was an abundance of them,” Santarelli told OutSFL.
January Violations:
-Operating a 24-hour business (required for establishments open between midnight and 5 a.m.)
-Insufficient parking
-Changing the use of the property
-Not licensed as a Sexually Oriented Business (SOB)
-Adding a spa and outside lounge area
April Violations:
-Operating a 24-hour business (required for establishments open between midnight and 5 a.m.)
-Changing the use of the property
-Not licensed as a Sexually Oriented Business (SOB)
The code enforcement officer who wrote the citations confirmed their involvement and referred OutSFL to the city’s public information office.
Santarelli addressed the issues in an interview with OutSFL. He says insufficient parking was created because code enforcement said WSC was using a second floor, an accusation he denies.
He says a spa and outdoor shower were added, then promptly removed after the January round of citations.
All April violations were “repeat” violations from January. Santarelli says they were in the process of applying for a 24-hour license and adjusted hours accordingly.
As for operating a sexually oriented business, he says an “undercover” officer visited WSC and saw adult videos playing. Santarelli says they stopped playing the videos. However, he says the city was well aware of the nature of the business throughout the permitting process and was never told he would need an SOB license.
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