Score another victory for a group of suburban nuns, fighting to keep a strip club from operating in their backyard.
Literally — in their backyard.
Cook County Judge Peter Flynn ruled Tuesday the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles had made a sufficient case to proceed with their lawsuit aimed at shutting down the establishment, known as Club Allure, which literally sits behind the back fence of the Sisters’ property.
As part of that renewed case, the sisters alleged that their investigator was subjected to repeated solicitations for acts of prostitution during visits to the club.
“I think there were a dozen different visits,” said attorney Scott Bergthold. “And at least several different acts on each of the dozen visits.”
Attorneys for Allure sought to dismiss the case as moot, noting the revocation of their liquor license last month. And, noting the thorny legal minefield of nuisance claims, the judge said he was tempted to at least wait and see what happens as that liquor matter is appealed.
“This would be a golden opportunity to keep my mouth shut,” he quipped.
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But in the end, Flynn said the nuns had presented sufficient evidence to proceed, and rejected the club’s effort to throw the case out of court.
The case was set for a January 31 status, so both sides could determine the club’s progress on appealing its liquor license suspension. In the meantime, attorney Bergthold said the nuns were enjoying the silence emanating from their unwelcome neighbors.
“I’m sure they’re enjoying the advent season without the loud thumping noise and revving Harleys at 3 a.m.,” he said. “I’m sure it’s a better circumstance now.”
