South Bay Woman Suing Strip Club for Blocking Her Entrance

A woman who alleges she was not allowed inside an Industry strip club because she was not with a man is suing the establishment, alleging civil rights violations.

Tamara Yatkin of El Segundo filed the suit Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Paradise Showgirls. She is seeking unspecified damages as well as an injunction preventing the club from requiring females and lesbians like her to be accompanied by a man before they are allowed inside.

A representative of Paradise Showgirls could not be immediately reached for comment.

According to the lawsuit, Yatkin, 54, went to the club at 14310 Valley Blvd. last June 29 on the recommendation of a longtime customer. She asked the doorman about the cover charge and whether discounts from other clubs were accepted there, the suit states.

"The man told plaintiff the price and asked (her) if she was alone," the suit states. "Plaintiff responded yes and the man told (her) she had to be accompanied by a man to enter the club."

An "incredulous" Yatkin asked if he was joking, but the man replied, "it is policy," the suit states. He said the establishment "had problems with women entering the club and causing problems," according to the complaint.

"Plaintiff reassured the man that she was not a problem, that she was a lesbian who wanted to spend money and have a good time," the suit states.

After Yatkin asked to see the manager, the man stated that he was the manager, the suit states.

Yatkin called Paradise Showgirls during the next two weeks for an explanation of their policy and was told they "could not be bothered," the suit states.

--City News Service