The Nebraska Liquor Commission had to change locations for Kandi's bikini bar's license hearing due to the number of people who opposed it. Commissioners appeared to hear their message.
The Liquor Control Commission unanimously denied a liquor license for Kandi's Bikini Bar, citing neighborhood concerns.Residents and business owners turned out in droves to protest the proposed business in the old Mt. Fuji Inn.
Commissioner Bruce Bailey says he hasn't seen this many people show up for a hearing since the White Clay hearing in April of 2017.
"I'm from that neighborhood and it doesn't surprise me they've turned up in the busloads. That is a very strong neighborhood, they support every business that's there, but it is a very family oriented, Christian type neighborhood," says Bailey.
One by one, opponents told the board if they gave Raymond Kurtzuba a liquor license to run the bikini bar there would be parking concerns, surrounding businesses would lose money, and students from nearby schools would be unsafe walking in the area.
State senator Theresa Thibodeau says she received over 100 emails from her constituents.
"From traffic concerns, to children walking across the street after school, being hit by a car from somebody trying to leave the establishment, for it being a recruiting ground for prostitution and or sex trafficking" says Thibodeau.
Kurtzuba's attorney Kyle McGinn argued his client changed the name of the business from Candyland to Kandi's and opted to not have private rooms inside because of neighbors complaints.
He also pointed to two other bars nearby.
"There are already within a stone's throw of this proposed business, two bars which serve alcohol and food during the day, just as this proposed facility would do."
McGinn said after the decision, they're considering an appeal.
“Well certainly one avenue is always relief in the district court system, that's something we have to talk about with our client when we have more time to consider," says McGinn.
