That pesky pandemic continues to be a killjoy for certain parts of the “entertainment” industry.
Two Florida jiggle joints, including one strip club in Orlando, were shut down as state officials have been taking a harder stance on those seen as violating social distancing rules amid rising coronavirus cases.
Le Palace Otown, on Orange Blossom Trail, and the Show N Trail The Legend in Panama City Beach were both shut down and had their licenses suspended late last week after violating Florida’s June 26 emergency order.
Additionally, the Knights Pub had its license returned on Friday after losing it earlier in June as a consequence of 40 customers and employees contracting COVID-19 at its establishment near the University of Central Florida.
Le Palace Otown was in apparent violation of both Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order for Phase 2 of reopening Florida’s businesses and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) emergency order.
The shutdown notice cited the business’ failure to have customers’ observe social distancing guidelines.
“Customers failed to observe social distancing guidelines and were in close proximity to each other and with adult performers,” the DBPR notice said.
One patron of Le Palace Otown, who spoke to Crazy America on condition of anonymity, took issue with the state’s decision.
“My buddies and I have been a lot more hands off than usual,” the man said. “We are aware of the risks of the virus but it’s no fun watching someone perform in a mask, or wearing one yourself while you are watching.”
What is more, the punter insisted that there are certain conventions at such an establishment that shouldn’t change even during a pandemic.
“Most guys in there are definitely not touching as much,” he said. “But if you are going to slip a twenty inside a thong, you are still going to have to get a little close.”