Nude nightclub charged with violating state law
After Dark club's proximity to residential area at issue
BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer
The management of an Old Bridge go-go bar that became host to nude dancing is facing criminal charges and township fines.

Police arrested After Dark manager Gregorio Russo on Dec. 3, charging him with violating a state statute that prohibits nude establishments from operating within 1,000 feet of residential areas and schools, among other public places. The township cited the business for allegedly violating the zoning ordinance.

According to Police Chief Thomas Collow, residents made calls and sent a letter over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, voicing displeasure over the switch to nude dancing at the bar, located at Route 35 and Greenwood Avenue. Police began an investigation into the claims, meeting with the bar's management Dec. 2 to inform them of the alleged breaches.

"We advised them that they were in violation of some criminal statutes," Collow said. "That was their chance to stop."

When police returned to the bar the following day to follow up on the issue, the nude dancing was still going on, and they arrested Russo, Collow said. He was later released on his own recognizance.

"The town took immediate action under the law," said Richard Klein, attorney for Committee for a Better Old Bridge, a citizens' group. "They didn't hesitate at all."

Klein said he represents a group of about 20 residents who wanted to nip the nude dancing in the bud. The citizens mobilized and took action to ensure something was done.

After Dark has a liquor license, but ceased serving alcohol and became a so-called juice bar when the nude dancing began recently. State law dictates that such establishments cannot be located within 1,000 feet of residences, schools, school bus stops, religious establishments and public parks. Violation of the statute is a fourth-degree, indictable offense. The matter has been referred to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and will be heard in Middlesex County's state court in New Brunswick, Collow said.

According to Township Attorney Jerome Convery, only the management of the bar was charged because the statute specifically prohibits the operation of such establishments and does not penalize employees.

Go-go bars are not governed by the state statute, because their liquor licenses place them under the jurisdiction of the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

The township zoning officer issued two summonses to the business — one charging that it changed its use without permission, and another that it violated the township's zoning code. After Dark is located in the township's Environmentally Sensitive/Recreation (ER) zone, and would have to be located within the Community Commercial (CC) zone in order to operate as a juice bar with nude dancing.

Both violations carry fines up to $1,250, and can be issued as daily fines for as long as the alleged violations continue, Convery said.

"We're going to continue to monitor it," Collow said.

The bar was closed as of Friday.

Old Bridge has another nude dancing establishment, which officials said has operated legally since the 1980s. Go Go Rama, at Route 35 and Laurence Parkway, stands within 1,000 feet of residential homes and operates as a juice bar, but is permitted because it predated the statute.

"[The law] specifically grandfathers in establishments that have been in place before the statute," Convery said.

The state law governing nude dancing clubs and other sexually oriented businesses was established in 1995.