Three St. Mary strip clubs cited in ATC prostitution, drug sting

Three St. Mary Parish strip clubs were among 14 clubs statewide that were cited for prostitution and drug violations during the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control’s “Operation Trick or Treat” investigation, according to a Tuesday news release.
Alcohol and Tobacco Control undercover agents cited 14 adult entertainment venues for prostitution, lewd acts and drug activity during the agency’s undercover statewide investigation, the release said.
Six of the businesses were issued emergency suspensions due to the threat to public safety, the release said. Judy’s Lounge, 8704 La. 182 near Morgan City and Temptations, 9349 La. 182 in Amelia, were among six strip clubs ordered to stop selling alcohol and tobacco immediately. Other strip clubs ordered to stop alcohol and tobacco sales included Shelly’s in Houma, Temptations in Sulphur, Club Vixen in Lake Charles and Club Cabaret in Westlake.
Among the 14 businesses that received citations and will be scheduled for administrative hearings in the coming weeks were Judy’s Lounge near Morgan City for five counts of prostitution, three counts controlled dangerous substance drug violations and 11 counts of lewd acts; Temptations in Amelia for two counts of prostitution, two counts of controlled dangerous substance drug violations and four counts of lewd acts; and Double Deez , 8800 La. 182 East in Amelia, for one count of prostitution and two counts of controlled dangerous substance drug violations.
Other businesses cited included Oasis Cabaret in Bossier City, Temptations in Sulphur, Club Vixens in Lake Charles, Club Cabaret in Westlake, Real Entertainers in Baton Rouge, Tipsy Tiger 2 in Plaquemine, Michael’s in Broussard, Shelly’s in Houma, The Onyx Lounge in Monroe, Sports Club in Alexandria and Crazy Horse Cabaret in Port Allen.
This statewide operation comes only weeks after nine clubs were cited in the French Quarter in New Orleans, the release said.
“ATC has two words for strip clubs across the state; straighten up,” ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert said in the news release. “It’s simple. If you allow drugs and prostitution, your alcohol permit will be in jeopardy.”
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Traci Landry said the sheriff does respond to complaints of possible illegal activity at adult entertainment venues, but didn’t assist in this ATC investigation.