Adult businesses say Brookhaven is trying to shut them down

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — Georgia's newest city could have a big legal fight on its hands soon.

Two adult entertainment companies said they expect to head to court if the city of Brookhaven does not back down on what the businesses say are efforts to shut them down.

The Pink Pony strip club stands to lose its liquor license Jan. 1. Its lawyers said they will file a lawsuit this week to force Brookhaven to honor a longstanding agreement the club had with DeKalb County that allows it to continue to serve alcohol even though its entertainers dance nude.

"There has been no outcry from the community, there is just an outcry from people advising the city council," said club attorney Aubrey Villines.

Next door to the Pink Pony, Stardust Smoke Shop opened within the past two weeks.

Owner Michael Morrison said he's been told city leaders have already met behind closed doors to consider ways to shut him down.

Morrison said his business sells general merchandise and smoke-related items along with some adult sex items. He insists the store's products meet the ratio set by city code to not be considered an adult entertainment store.

"If the city wants to waste money legislating morality, we'll fight this up to the Supreme Court," Morrison said.

No one from the city of Brookhaven would comment about the issue except Council Member Joe Gebbia, who released this statement through a city spokesperson: "In February of 2013, the Starship submitted an application for a business license as a 'Smoke Shop' on Buford Highway and they were granted that license on March 26. Hopefully they will operate within the confines of the license they applied for."

Channel 2 Action News reporter Tony Thomas asked Morrison how quickly he believes a lawsuit might be coming from him.

"I don't know, that's up to the city," he replied.

WSBTV