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Nude juice bar meets resistance in Cozad

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By The Associated Press

Monday, Feb 18, 2008 - 12:55:38 pm CST

COZAD — Cozad and Dawson County officials are looking for ways to keep a nude juice bar from opening just outside Cozad’s jurisdiction.

The club would be a sister operation to the owner’s Shakers club northeast of Lincoln at the edge of Waverly, just off Interstate 80.

Barring legal obstructions, the new club will open March 7.

Owner Dan Robinson wasn’t surprised by the opposition in central Nebraska.

“(When) we did this 12 years ago Waverly had the same opposition when we first started. In the first four months we showed them we could run the place professionally,” he told KHGI-TV in Kearney. “Waverly’s been OK ever since: no violations, no problems with law enforcement or with the community,” he said.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office provides police services to Waverly.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Andy Stebbing said Monday that a quick records check found no citations for violations by Shakers. He said Shakers didn’t seem to have any more problems than any other entertainment establishment in the town.

Robinson said he was looking to open a juice bar in western Nebraska when he found the property near Cozad.

It used to be a pizza restaurant and the land was going to be turned into an RV park. That deal fell through when the would-be park developer couldn’t get financing.

Because the new Shakers would serve only juice and no alcohol, customers could be as young as 18.

Some area residents packed a planning commission meeting last week to air their opposition.

Said Christina Parsons, who lives next to property: “We have an 8-year-old boy, and I want to know he can go outside and play.”

Officials have searched in vain for a way to deny the planned use.

“We have gone through the regs with a fine-tooth comb,” said the county zoning administrator, Ellen Arms.

“If we can find a loophole, we will,” she said.

“Not a loophole,” Commissioner Don Batie soon said. “We will just follow the letter of the law.”

Arms said she’s contacted the state Department of Environmental Quality about two commercial fuel tanks buried on the property and some illegal fecal discharge from a septic system.

Club owner Robinson said he wants his club to be a good neighbor.

“Once we’re here for a while I think people will realize that we can run a clean operation. ...

“We’ll always have people against it,” he said. “They have the right to their views, but we have to right to open up.”


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Wow! wrote on February 18, 2008 1:14 pm:
" This man has courage. I never knew such an establishment existed near Waverly. Now, he wants to open a second business. LOL! "

 Ryan wrote on February 18, 2008 1:38 pm:
" Oh no! Nudity! We might see a human body! Protect the children from nature! The quote about wanting her child to be able to play outside really made me laugh. How, exactly, would this club harm her child? "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 18, 2008 1:44 pm:
" 8 year old can go outside and play. I would she would be more worried about her husband. "

 Mike wrote on February 18, 2008 4:03 pm:
" People might come out of the place all whacked out on orange juice and spoiling for a fight I guess. *shrug* "

 Shakers customer wrote on February 18, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Maybe Ellen should of called DEQ about the problems before Mr. Robinson bought the property.
"

 Gloria wrote on February 18, 2008 6:15 pm:
" Just what we need. More smut. "

 Supafreak wrote on February 18, 2008 11:42 pm:
" I never saw any nude dancers OUTSIDE of Shakers. Based on that fact I don't understand the concern for the 8 year old. Actually you might find some mothers are gainfully employed as dancers. Would you rather they be on welfare? Would you rather have the patrons leaving the place driving home drunk? Be reasonable. "

 Eric wrote on February 19, 2008 5:22 am:
" The people opposing this need to get a life. "

 Daniel wrote on February 19, 2008 5:36 am:
" We really need to stop pretending that businesses like this are evil and out of place in Nebraska. The guy wouldn't be opening up a second location if it wasn't for Shakers doing a fair amount of business.

I am concerned that our county zoning administrator might be treating this business differently from any other. Justice is blind. Treat this like any other application. There is a reason we don't call you the county morals officer - we don't need one.

As a final note for Christina Parsons: By the time your son understands what happens in that club you need to have talked to him about those issues. Keeping blinders on you children does them no favors when it comes to entering the real world. "

 DannyB wrote on February 19, 2008 6:34 am:
" Smut. Awesome. "

 21 female wrote on February 19, 2008 6:56 am:
" Wow jus what we need another "Juice Bar"! not really i know girls who are 17-19 who do that for a livivg and they don't like it but like the money! But that is there choice and ur boy can go out and play i agree with mitchy_v if i was her i would worry about my husband! mt fiancee don't go near those places because he knows i'll walk right out the door on our 6 years!! "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 19, 2008 7:10 am:
" I agree, we need more smut. "

 Mr. T. wrote on February 19, 2008 8:15 am:
" This is just another example of government trying to control peoples behavior. It is sickening. What happened to the "land of the free"? Everyday American's in this country lose over 30 freedoms. Freedoms that are taken away by government. "

 MO wrote on February 19, 2008 8:32 am:
" If men want to look, let them look. And lets not be discrimintory, some women want to look also. Don't worry about your children, they can't get in until they are 18. Lets grow up people, at least this is a juice bar where the guys and girls have to stay sober in that location to look at naked bodies. They don't get to use alcohol to cloud their judgement. This is a win / win for all. "

 I could've had a V8! wrote on February 19, 2008 8:55 am:
" Look on the bright side, the increase in cranberry juice consumption will cut down on urinary tract infections. I bet they'll serve great food too! "

 The real beauty of it... wrote on February 19, 2008 8:56 am:
" The beauty of this is that we will see capitalism at its finest. If people in the Cozad area REALLY don't like it, the place will shut down due to lack of revenue.

If it stays open, however, they'll learn what the community actually values (in terms of dollars).

Does anyone know if it is good juice? "

 Rhonda wrote on February 19, 2008 8:59 am:
" I am a mother of 3 children and can hardly see any problem with this. I can't beleive that people are so worried about a juice bar but will bend over backwards to open another bar. Oh my naked women dancing inside a building, get over it. I bet most of these complainers keep the lights off and never let their husbands and wives see them naked, can anyone say prudes. I have drove by Shakers many times and never seen any naked people wondering around outside. I would think that this is a better alternative then another bar letting drunks out on the roads to do real harm to people. Maybe this juice bar would spur the population growth in western Nebraska that is needed........ "

 Eh wrote on February 19, 2008 9:15 am:
" Ms. Parsons has a point - how many of you would like it if a strip club moved in next door to your house. I guarantee it's not helping the property value. "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 19, 2008 9:30 am:
" Shouldn't the previous owner be responsible for the septic sestem and the fuel tanks? Would you have call the state department if it was a Denny's going in? If for some reason he gets denied, I can see a lawsuit here. "

 JoshN wrote on February 19, 2008 9:37 am:
" It seems odd that this business is being treated differently than any other by the county zoning administrator and city officials. I wonder if officials "search in vain" to deny every potential new business in the community. It sounds to me like the only ones who are in the wrong are the "unbiased" elected officials. Let the customers decide on what establishments succeed or fail, not a few close-minded individuals. "

 Jo wrote on February 19, 2008 10:03 am:
" Notice how it's mostly men commenting on this story and they think it is a great idea. Oh boy, naked women! Wonder how they would feel if there were nude men serving at this juice bar. "

 Grundle wrote on February 19, 2008 10:27 am:
" How would people feel if nude men were serving at this bar? I guess it wouldn't matter much...if you're talking about having naked women dance with naked men serving drinks...big deal! As far as drink selection goes...they carry a lot of different juices, sodas, and water...all of which are non-intoxicating. I suppose women may worry about their men going to this type of place, but maybe they can take solace in the fact that their men are coming home sober. "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 19, 2008 10:36 am:
" Notice that most of the women who comment are against it. Oh no, compitition! "

 Well, I'm a guy and wrote on February 19, 2008 10:47 am:
" Jo, I would believe that if a man is confident enough in his appearence to serve good for him! Most guys would proabably have a high opinion of him. Whereas, females typically have a low opinion of the women that do that. Sad, but probably accurate. "

 Ryan wrote on February 19, 2008 10:49 am:
" As a man, if naked men were at this bar I would just not visit it. But I wouldn't care if it was open for business. It's a human body. Why do we care? And how harmful are we being teaching our children that the human body is shameful and something to be afraid of? No wonder so many people have body issues... "

 the problem is.... wrote on February 19, 2008 10:51 am:
" The problem with this is that women who strip are not given the same respect as woman who do not strip. Men who frequent strip clubs and topless bars start looking at women as commodities and objects to be gawked at, not as women with minds and feelings. This is where sexual violence comes in.
No one likes to strip. She does it to make money. How sad that the fastest, easiest (and legal) way for a woman to make money is to strip. It's demeaning. Ask a stripper who's off the clock and she'll tell you that. They hate their jobs but need that money so bad to take care of themselves and their families.
One last thing, how many of you would like to walk in a strip club and see your sister or mother up there? Or go to work and hear your coworkers say "Man, your sister is awesome! She gives great lap dances." "

 Michelle wrote on February 19, 2008 11:00 am:
" I'm all about them opening a nudie bar for the ladies. Bring on the naked men!! That should bring in some cash. I don't see any naked men dancing in Lincoln, there might be a market for a savvy business owner! "

 Let the market wrote on February 19, 2008 11:13 am:
" control this business. Doesnt look like you can stop them and the loop hole comments show prejudice in the matter (asking for a lawsuit) - so let them open and if you can honestly stand before the board and say the community does not want it then the community will not patronize the business and it will fold in a short time. But odds are the people being the loudest about this are the few & 'smut nazi's' (just wanted to use those words sometime today!)....they probably know that the majority of the community will back it and it will be successful - good luck to the few! "

 If it were me... wrote on February 19, 2008 11:32 am:
" I wouldn't be concerned about nude people being outside of the bar. Let's get real. I would be more concerned about the type of people who would be attracted to the area. Yes, plenty of normal people frequent establishments like this all the time, but you are probably more like to encounter someone with a sexual aggression problem outside of a strip bar than you are outside of a pizza joint. I'm not saying that every person who visits a strip club is an unsafe animal, but I do believe you're more likely to encounter one in front of The Night Before rather than Pizza Hut.

"The real beauty of it" has a good point. Captialism will decide the fate of this business. I don't feel like they should be treated differently than any other business, but I do feel for the families living nearby who do not want to deal with this type of place in their neighborhood. This can't be good for their property value.
"

 Open It wrote on February 19, 2008 11:45 am:
" I probably won't ever go to this establishment because I am a married family man but I don't have any problem with it being there and I encourage people to partonize it. Its an alcohol free juice bar! You don't kill people driving home from a juice bar. Nudity is a normal thing and people like to see it. I say open it! "

 pete wrote on February 19, 2008 11:53 am:
" who gets hurt if this goes in. property values? i doubt think so. if wives would be more attentive you wouldnt see the market for nude clubs. "

 John wrote on February 19, 2008 11:54 am:
" Well, thats the kind of thing Nebraska would let multiply
in our state!! The leaders don't have any decency and
let growing businesses come into the state - everything in
Nebraska is on the "shady" side!! They want to brag about
UNL, yet look at the downtown, half empty and the rest
bars!! Taxes are low where cities like Bloomington, In.
have a downtown next to full with businesses & retail,
and in 2007 they gained 25 new businesses and its helped
by the drawing of nearby Indiana University. They have
nice restaurants, all kinds of clothing stores and you
name it. What does Lincoln's UNL draw, BARS, BARS, BARS,
DRUNKS, DRUNKS,& DRUNKS!!! You will reap what you sow!!! "

 Problems Everywhere wrote on February 19, 2008 12:00 pm:
" When it's put in perspective, I agree with one fact. It's much better than a bar serving booze going up. Alcohol is a real problem along with pornagraphy. Although I don't agree with a strip club going anywhere, I would rather curb the substance abuse problem and how our society accepts this. If I had it my way, pot would be legal, Alcohol would be illegal (as I would rather the responsible drinkers suffer then watch and deal with people who are addicted and end up dying from the crap) and stip clubs?....well....good luck what one. They will probably hire locals and the crop yeilds will suck because the farmers will spend too much time at the joint. Only for a little while though. They will stop going when they see a relative or thier son's girlfriend on stage and then get back to work. "

 Brian wrote on February 19, 2008 12:12 pm:
" Jo, if there were nude men serving at this bar, i imagine that men would not go to it. There is nothing wrong with Shakers as an establishment, you have to be adult to go there, and as strip clubs go in this state, its tastefull. As one commentor said, if the people really don't want the club there, it will shut down due to lack of business. If they do want it there, it will flourish. Let the people decide this matter not some county officials. "

 Nina wrote on February 19, 2008 12:42 pm:
" I'm opposed to nude bars opening anywhere, to exploit women who have had such neglect or abuse that they haven't enough self-esteem to know they are more than a commodity to be displayed, lusted after, and cheapened. A real man would consider how he would feel if his mother, sister or daughter were displayed like that, and you wouldn't find him in such a place. And I'm far from alone in feeling this way. "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 19, 2008 1:03 pm:
" "I'm all about them opening a nudie bar for the ladies" Where do I apply. "

 mitchy_v wrote on February 19, 2008 1:54 pm:
" "I would be more concerned about the type of people who would be attracted to the area" Isn't that type of people you are talking about already there? Typically people don't drive long distances just for juice and a show, they are just congrigating together now. Would you rather give them something more approiate to look at or have some of them lurking at the local pool. "

 ta wrote on February 19, 2008 2:08 pm:
" So the girls only strip for Money. I don't like to work for free. Why would they. Thats why it called a Job. not a hobby. The body is beauitful let show more of it. "

 Don't speak for me wrote on February 19, 2008 2:14 pm:
" Sorry Nina, but women from all walks of life dance at these types of establishments, not just "neglected and abused" women. They apply for employment and can quit or work as long as they feel like it, just like any other job. I'm pretty sure most of these women are wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of 'real men' that are okay with what they do. I would think someone with low self-esteem wouldn't want to dance nude in front of a crowd anyway. Those thinking this kind of business may bring about unruley people, the article states there have been no citations or violations at Shakers since it was opened 12 years ago. An easy solution is if you don't like a business or what it's about, don't patronize it. "

 "V-Day in Nebraska" wrote on February 19, 2008 2:17 pm:
" I certainly do not see the problem with such an establishment. I have been to Shakers and it is a quality business with a high quality product. "

 Don't forget wrote on February 19, 2008 2:45 pm:
" I know everyone already knows this but for those that don't the article doesn't clearly explain that shakers is a full nude bar. that means no top, no pasties, no panties.

On a side note I do agree that women should not be so worried about there kids. they should be more worried about there husbands "

 Carol wrote on February 19, 2008 3:22 pm:
" Regardless of what you think of it, it is impressive that Shakers has been open 12 years without a single violation. I would bet that the number of strip joints, bars, and even restaurants that have a 12 year record without any kind of violation would be very short. The owner has proven that he can run a good business and be a good neighbor. "

 steverl wrote on February 19, 2008 3:34 pm:
" What would you rather have in the building? A bar? "

 Awesome... wrote on February 19, 2008 3:36 pm:
" Great comments and great article. Where is this place again? (Sounds better than Football and Hockey).
"

 steverl wrote on February 19, 2008 3:46 pm:
" I guess for those who are concerned about self-respect and the respect these dancers get as being female dancers. It's ironic that in Europe where nudism is accepted for the most part, rape and violence towards women is far less than in the U.S. Yah, women in countries where nudity is spurned are looked at as low-class and "dumb" and "uneducated". That's is because the human body is viewed as shameful and evil. Accept nudism and people's attitudes towards others will change. "

 Snore, big deal wrote on February 19, 2008 4:46 pm:
" As a female who used to work at Dan's other establishment here in Lincoln (remember Saphire's anyone?) as a "waitress" (yes, the ones who serve the juice are fully clothed, the naked girls are on stage dancing) I can say that I don't think there is anything wrong with this club being opened. They do serve only juice and soda, so no drunks leaving the place. I would be interested to know exactly how far away from that one lady's house it would be though, I mean, right next door most likely would make her property value go down but really, how is that Dan's problem? Why do people think this is so awful? The women who work there choose to do so and the patrons also choose to be patrons, if you don't like women dancing nude for money then don't go there and spend your money and don't go dance there. Also, why do women get all freaked out about gentlemen's clubs? If you have healthy trust in your relationship then you wouldn't be a bit worried about it. My husband has been to gentlemen's clubs, but he really just isn't that into it. The times he has went I didn't freak out on him, I told him to have a good time and in fact I was there two of the four times he has been. It's just entertainment people, calm down. If the people in the Cozad community don't like this then I guess it will close down the old fashion way, lack of customers. The fact that a government official stated they are looking for a loop hole is totally wrong. Good luck Dan! "

 Kristine wrote on February 19, 2008 4:47 pm:
" I think people are missing the point about nudity vs. a strip club. I can stand here naked, but the point of my nudity is not to entice. Nudity and crime against women MAY be lower in England, but that's a completely different society, too. Nudity is equal. In America, naked women are objectified and sexualized. Do you see the point? I get what people are saying. And I will also say, for the record, that this affecting children is completely ludicrous. "

 It's all in fun wrote on February 19, 2008 4:50 pm:
" Come on people, these dancers are not out to get your men, they are providing an entertainment. If you ladies are worried about such an establishment take a girls night out and visit Shakers in Waverly before you throw stones. (they do let women in to observe or be entertained) And Yes I am a married woman who lives a short drive to Shakers, no my husband does not frequent Shakers but may venture over there now and again. To tell you the truth it's a juice bar that requires a drink limit to sit in the establishment and ladies that alone deters a portion of men from frequenting such establishment. "

 Its kinda funny wrote on February 19, 2008 5:23 pm:
" people who have been in the clubs dont think much of it, its the people who have never been in a strip club that throw fits about it. I had a coworker that was convinced that strip clubs were brothels until he went with us once and saw that if guys act up in the least bit they get kicked out. And to the people that say most strippers dont like their jobs - who does!? We all work for money, if was anything else we would not be here! "

 Brandon wrote on February 19, 2008 6:29 pm:
" Well thank you Nina for pushing your morals onto everybody else. Now I know how I should be acting and thinking. How would we ever get through life without you and government telling us what's good for us. I wish government would do their job and protect us from physical harm that we can't control rather than legislate morality. I bet Nina doesn't have a problem with an economically challenged woman getting smoke blown in her face every night as a waitress. "

 HA Yeah right! wrote on February 19, 2008 6:34 pm:
" The dancers are NOT out to get your men, trust me. Oooh, everyone worry about your husbands because there are these beautiful, young women out there just clawing to get to your middle aged, tied down with baggage, tired looking husbands. Are you kidding? Most of the dancers I know have significant others and would never even consider trying to steal someone else's husband. This isn't a brothel people, and you ladies posting on here should know that your husbands are more likely to have an affair with someone from the office or someone that you know rather than a dancer at a club. On top of that, common sense tells me that if a married man was gonna have an affair - he would have one regardless of whether he went to a strip club or not. Seems common sense to me. No wonder all the divorce, no trust. "

 Shocked! wrote on February 19, 2008 7:34 pm:
" You Nebraskans seem to practice selective moralism. After reading such hateful comments regarding immigration and capital punishment, I assumed you be against nudity also! It's almost like your famous mantra, "We hate the government, but love those subsidies!

"

 mike wrote on February 19, 2008 8:17 pm:
" my daughters have worked in them places and see nothing wrong with it . they made killer money and had a great time also "

 Beth wrote on February 19, 2008 10:27 pm:
" Oh my! If more of you ladies would do at home for you guy what the ladies in the clubs do, maybe your guy would go to the club so often. This is 2008, it is time to realize men and women are made up of bodies, known as flesh. Most people have an attraction to flesh of the opposite sex (yes some have an attraction to the same sex). This is a part of who we all are as human beings. Rather than fighting who we are, why not begin enjoying who/what we are and also enjoying that about each other. Celebrate the fact that people like to look at us and others. It is all good! Happy looking at home, the club, or where ever you get to look. "

 Jay wrote on February 19, 2008 11:00 pm:
" Welcome to the the 21st century America. That's all I have to say... "

 a dancer wrote on February 20, 2008 3:14 pm:
" I have worked for Dan Robinson for a few years and the things I know about him is that he is a family man. He has children of his own that live with him. I can assure that anyone who is concerned about letting their children outside, doesn't need to be. Our current club has zero windows, the girls are NOT allowed to drink at work or bring drugs and our clientele are very well behaved. I have also worked in bars that allow liquor that are not gentlemen's clubs and some that are. I have seen less rowdy behavior coming out of a gentlemen's club than I have a normal bar. When you take the liquor factor away from that, it is MUCH more tame. Shakers has been a part of the community also. We do car washes every year for charity and we sponsor a race team. We wouln't be in Waverly after 12 years if there were problems. Dan knows how to run a respectable and clean business. Thats why I work for him. "

 need more wrote on February 20, 2008 4:55 pm:
" I believe there needs to be more great employers like Shakers. It also wouldn't hurt if there were more great places like Shakers. Being able to watch great dancers is a very relaxing way to spend an evening, especially a cold one like this evening. "

 roger wrote on February 24, 2008 5:14 am:
" cool "

 OmahaBlueDog wrote on April 1, 2008 12:02 am:
" Shakers is a pretty basic concept. $12 cover, and nude dancers inside.. They serve soft drinks. They do have a so-called "private entertainment area" (they go by different names at different clubs -- VIP room, Champagne room, etc.) where less goes on than meets the eye.

If you're opposed to smut, you're opposed to smut. I can't argue the point except to say it's a strip club with pretty strict rules about touching the dancers; it's not a brothel.

I would voice this concern, and it's certainly no reflection on the management of Shakers. When you have a no-booze strip joint, generally the guys either arrive hammered, or booze it up in their SUVs in the parking lot, or sneak in a flask. Please let's not pretend this doesn't happen, because it does.

Also a question: Would the city object less if the club served booze, but limited the stripping to "topless" and the clientele to 21 & up? They have that in Kearney, at Backlot, for example. "

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