RACINE, Wis. — The Racine Public Safety and Licensing Committee is scheduled to review a contentious licensing application for Lush Adult Entertainment LLC, doing business as Lush Ultra Lounge, in a meeting on April 29 at City Hall.
Amarion James, the owner and proposed agent of the Lush establishment, is seeking a “Class B” license for both fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquor at 1520 Washington Ave., previously known for nuisance issues, including lack of crowd control and loitering. The application is part of a broader plan to open a bar in the Lush Adult Entertainment chain. However, city restrictions will prevent it from operating as an adult entertainment venue.
Despite the venue’s commitment to avoid branding itself as a strip club, historical applications and Mr. James’s admittance that strippers could be present during private parties have raised concerns. According to Attorney Nhu H. Arn in the Good Neighbors Report, this issue will be one of the key points of discussion in the upcoming meeting, especially given the city’s ordinance that prohibits strippers on the premises.
However, when told about the restrictions, James underscored that he would not have any adult entertainment and filed an amendment to his license application.
“Mr. James will lease the building from the current owners of the Fifteen-Eighteen, and states he intends to run the business ‘differently’ given some of the nuisance issues associated with the current premises,” according to the application.
Lush application ‘critical’ for location’s future
The application is critical for the future of 1520 Washington Ave. The plan is to remodel the building in two phases, with the aim of transforming the lower level by June and the first floor by the end of summer. The proposed changes have been detailed in a stamped floor plan dated Jan. 12, 2023, showcasing a layout that includes a bar, built-in bench seating, a stage and booths designed to accommodate 450 occupants.
Further complicating the approval process, Mr. James lacks experience in the food and alcohol industries and has never held an alcohol beverage license. His criminal background check revealed two misdemeanor convictions, which do not disqualify him from obtaining a license, according to Arn’s report to city officials.
In the report, Sgt. Thillemann from the Racine Police Department has expressed concerns about the location based on its history, although he could not attend the Good Neighbors meeting. His input may influence the committee’s decision during the upcoming session.
The Public Safety and Licensing Committee will also hear other items during the meeting. Still, the Lush Ultra Lounge’s license application is expected to draw significant public and official scrutiny due to the past issues and the sensitivity surrounding the nature of the proposed establishment.
For those interested, the meeting will be streamed live on the City of Racine, Wisconsin Government Facebook page, and community members are encouraged to participate and express their views.
Editor’s note: Elements of this article were generated by ChatGPT.
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