Emanuel Ducks Questions On Allowing Alcohol Sales At Topless Clubs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel is trying to sidestep questions about a plan by some aldermen to allow Chicago strip clubs to serve alcohol and offer semi-nude dancing.
The mayor said he'd have to look at the proposed ordinance to allow topless dancing in clubs where alcohol is served. Under current city rules, clubs can do one or the other.
Emanuel said he's had more important issues to think about lately.
"I've got to be honest, I kind of applaud them for having the time to think about these issues. I've had a couple others that I've got to be thinking about," he said.
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The mayor pointed to his efforts to improve public schools, and get the governor and state lawmakers to back legislation that would reduce the amount of money the city must pay into police and fire pension funds for the next several years.
Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), who sponsored the strip club measure, said it would help make Chicago a world class city, but Emanuel said he believes Chicago already deserves that description.
"There's only three cities in all of the country north of 50 million visitors – New York, Orlando and Chicago now, which did not exist before – and we did it without serving liquor at certain establishments," he said.
The mayor said he does not oppose the strip club ordinance, he just hasn't thought about it.
