New Orleans hires attorney who has helped cities crack down on strip clubs

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has hired an attorney known for his work strengthening laws and enforcement involving strip clubs as the city seeks to curb crime around Bourbon Street.

In response to an inquiry by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune that was part of an investigation into Bourbon Street sex trafficking, the mayor's office produced an agreement the city has reached with Scott Bergthold, a Tennessee attorney who specializes in laws dealing with adult performance venues. The agreement shows Bergthold is under contract for $15,000 to review the city's comprehensive zoning ordinance, the alcoholic beverage code, mayoralty permits and the criminal code.

Bergthold also agreed to "provide proposed modifications to the city code in the form of draft ordinances and related materials." The city declined an interview request about what Bergthold might recommend, saying it was too early in the process.

Jim Kelly, executive director of Covenant House, said that he has spoken to Bergthold and expects the lawyer to propose changes that would clarify existing laws and possibly create new ordinances to limit contact between strip club patrons and dancers. Clients of Kelly's shelter have included former dancers at the clubs and sex trafficking victims.

Read more: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/10/mitch_landrieu_strip_clubs.html