Central City Faces Standoff Over Controversial Strip Club Proposal
Central City is bracing for a potential showdown in 2025 regarding the contentious issue of nude dancing within its historic downtown. The City Council has voted against the opening of Rick’s Cabaret on Main Street, but Eric Langan, president and CEO of RCI Hospitality Holdings Inc., remains undeterred, stating he intends to proceed despite the ruling.
Langan plans to circumvent the city ordinance prohibiting nude dancing within 150 feet of churches, schools, and businesses by utilizing latex clothing, which could be viewed as compliant with current regulations. "We’ll cover the girls up on top with latex," he told The Denver Gazette, asserting that this approach has been successfully employed in other venues.
The ramifications of introducing a strip club were highlighted in a recent study commissioned by Gilpin County commissioners, which predicted an increase of nearly 200 police calls per year, costing the town an estimated $135,430. With no municipal police force, Central City relies on the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, raising concerns about the additional law enforcement resources needed should the club open.
RCI Hospitality Holdings has invested over $15 million in properties in the region, purchasing the building that houses Rick’s for $2 million. The proposed club aims to replicate the operations of the Diamond Cabaret in Denver, further entrenching the question of Central City’s identity: will it remain a quaint cultural destination or transform into a mini-Vegas enriched with adult entertainment?
As Langan withdraws his request for a gambling permit after a protracted wait for approval, the community stands at a crossroads. With historical significance and freedom of expression at the forefront of the debate, the outcome of this conflict may redefine Central City for years to come.