Strip club owner takes case to federal court

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An attorney representing two businesses suing the city of Milwaukee for the right to operate strip clubs has filed for summary judgment in federal court.

Jeff Scott Olson, attorney at Jeff Scott Olson Law Firm SC, represents Six Star Holdings LLC and Ferol LLC, both of Menomonee Falls and both owned by Jon Ferraro.

Ferraro tried to open strip clubs Silk East at 730 N. Old World Third St. and Satin at 117 W. Pittsburgh Ave. in 2010, and was denied licenses for both establishments. Olson filed suit against the city Oct. 12, 2010.

In his motion for summary judgment, filed Aug. 29, Olson challenges three Milwaukee ordinances that require a prospective business owner seeking a liquor license to also apply for a tavern amusement license and divulge what type of amusement will be offered, as unconstitutional. He also argues Milwaukee has hampered his clients’ freedom of speech.

Olson asked the judge to rule the city is liable to his clients and schedule a trial on damages.

A second effort to secure licenses for Silk East was unsuccessful in June; however, Six Star and Ferol’s complaint has not been amended to include details about that attempt.