More Information on Cheerleaders Controversy

By Albert J. Countryman

Gloucester City News 

GLOUCESTER CITY NEWS: U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler ruled last week that Cheerleaders on Route 130 in Gloucester City can temporarily stay open.

During its February meeting, the Gloucester City Planning Board had ruled against the gentlemen’s club, saying it was no longer grandfathered under the zoning law change in 1997 that banned go-go bars in the town.

Attorneys for the club filed an appeal after the Board’s decision.

The judge said there will be a formal hearing this June involving Gloucester City and Cheerleaders, but for now it can stay open as a \”bring your own\” establishment.

Since the N.J. Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control stripped Cheerleaders of its liquor license in January, patrons have been bringing their own beer or wine with them to enjoy while watching the dancers.

Planning Board members felt this way of operating did not meet the criteria to be considered a \”pre-existing, non-conforming use.\”

On April 16, 2000, a patron, Humberto Herrara, then 23, of Woodbury was flagged for being drunk, and Cheerleaders’ staff called him a taxi.

Instead, he got into his car and made a left – the wrong way on Route 130.

About 53 feet south of the Little Timber Creek Bridge, his car collided with a vehicle driving in the correct direction, killing Patricia and Robert Reed of Gloucester City.

After a lengthy legal battle, the club had its liquor license revoked early this year by the state.

Business Owner Frank Antico had told the Planning Board he planned to shift the bar to a \”bring your own bottle\” set up, which would allow patrons to bring in their own beer and wine, purchased elsewhere, and the club’s wait staff would then serve it back to them while they took in the entertainment.

Last month, attorneys had submitted copies of deeds showing that the property has been home to a go-go bar since 1976.

Testimony was given to the Planning Board by individuals who have patronized the establishment, under different ownerships, from that time to the present, as to the kind of entertainment, food and drink that was offered.

Club representatives said the nature of the business has been consistent, with the exception that food is no longer prepared on site.

Patrons have the option of ordering in food from several local restaurants, which is then served to them by Cheerleaders’ employees.