BATH

The City Council again endorsed a moratorium on establishment of strip clubs in the city Wednesday.

The 6-2 vote — the same margin recorded May 1 in the first reading of the measure — gives city solicitor Roger Therriault the go-ahead to prepare the ordinance. Therriault told councilors he will have that draft ready soon.

The action comes in response to interest shown by a Bangor resident to operate a strip club at the Riverside Sports Pub on Washington Street.

According to Therriault’s memorandum dated April 26, it is uncertain whether such a business can be established at all, “or whether it … must be allowed anywhere.”

“There need to be significant location restrictions based on the nature of that use, as there are currently virtually no operating requirements,” the memorandum said.

“The purpose of this moratorium is to review generally the rather significant constitutional protections that must be afforded those who conduct adult-use establishments while enacting reasonable restrictions and regulations that will govern their location and operation and protect adjoining neighborhoods and uses and the city in general.”

Councilor David Sinclair, a lawyer, said he is pleased an ordinance draft is nearly ready, but again voted against the moratorium.

“I still feel the moratorium is unenforceable,” he said.

lgrard@timesrecord.com