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FrenchConx

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About FrenchConx

  • Rank
    Contributor
  • Birthday 12/12/1965

Personal Info

  • Relationship Status
    Couple
  • Location
    New Orleans
  • Occupation
    Lifestyle Event Planners

Swinger Info

  • SLS Name
    tessnbob
  1. > I never refered to the club in NYC (referred to in your earlier posts). My posting was a geneal answer to those concerned about "raids". I do not have further information on the NYC club, so I cannot comment on it specifically. I think the points I made are still valid, I hope you will agree on this point.
  2. I think I might be able to speak as one of the country's "experts" on this subject and shed a little light on this thread. As the chairman of the ILA I get a phone call on almost every raid that happens at a club around the country. Most of these clubs haven't signed up for the ILA or thought about helping this movement move forward, but the minute they are raided they come running for help (but that is another thread). Here's some facts: In the last 5 years there has been at least 20 raids that I am aware of (sounds like a lot, but in the overall scheme of things, that really isn't a lot considering the number of clubs in existence). The only club charged with prostitution was a club in Canada and they successfully fought and won their battle and recently a new law passed by the Canadian Parliament at least opens the door to have legal "swing" clubs in Canada. Most of the clubs were raided for zoning and the only other reason was for drugs. Let's start with the drugs. In some cases the local law enforcement community has used drugs to get a warrant so they can get access to a club hoping to find lots of drugs or other illegal activity. So far, we haven't seen any clubs successfully prosecuted for this (one case is currently going to trial in Mn, but I am pretty sure those charges will either be dropped or will not lead to a conviction). Besides zoning, the only other case, in recent history, was the Trapeze case in S. Florida. They were charged with running an "obscene" business but the judge threw out the case saying that the only persons offended were the undercover officers making the arrests. This was a great case and set good precedence. 4 of the patrons that were arrested are suing the law enforcement agency and hopefully will get a cash award. Finally, we get to zoning, our biggest threat. Currently, there are no local ordinances in any city where I (or anyone else for that matter) can apply for a permit to open a "swing" club. This is a problem. There are in fact two communities that have outlawed "swing" clubs all together: Phoenix, AZ and Hollywood, Fl. In most cases clubs have closed down or lost the case when fighting zoning ordinances. Mostly because the club owner simply cannot afford to fight the battle. The local law enforcement wins by default. In the case of Phoenix, Club Chameleon has already spent well over $150,000 and is fighting this in 3 different courts and is on their 3rd appeal in the Federal Appellate court. They are vowing to fight their case to the end (Supreme court?) but it is a difficult case. Their club was "raided" last weekend for the 3rd time. Now to clear up the word "raid". What does raid mean? In the case of Phenix, it means that they come with 30 officers and bust in like gangbusters so that they can arrest the owner. It is not illegal in their eyes to attend a "swing" club, just to run one. Sure, it was scary, but the only person they were looking for was the owner. In other cases, like Trapeze, they arrested club members, in others, they photographed everyone in the club to scare and intimidate the members. So what do we do? Shun clubs and head to private house parties? Many of the 20 raids I referred to earlier were at house parties where someone was charging a "donation" but really running a business out of their home. I think these types of parties are actually the highest risk. I think the risk of getting "caught in a raid" is very minimal and should not scare you away from attending clubs, conventions or resorts. We can all huddle in our homes afraid to go outside, meet others and live our lives, but what a high price to pay for our fear. And if you ever find yourself caught in a raid, remain calm, do not say anything, get a lawyer.
  3. Recently during a raid in Atlanta patrons were arrested and charged because they attended a club that was operating illegally. Eventually the charges were dropped, but it sure sucked for a while for those that went out for a fun evening. I think it is very important for a club to operate legally. That is one reason why we helped form the International Lifestyle Association (ILA). Finally there is an organization that has set up guidelines for business owners, has a Law Enforcement Outreach Program (LEOP), and is creating a database of case history for club owners to use to defend themselves. Far too many clubs operate a commercial business out of a residence, do not pay their taxes and do not have the correct permits or zoning- these "businesses" threaten all of our safety. We hope to raise the level of professionalism in our industry and try to prevent fires rather than put them out (and there are several burning right now). I suggest you go to your local club and ask them if they are a member of the ILA. If they are not, ask them why.
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