Politician upset over nude dancing at casino

Monday, Jan. 28, 2002 | 9:23 a.m.

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Yellowstone County Commissioners are looking for a way to prevent a wave of new strip clubs as the first of 80,000 bowlers from around the country begin arriving.

Commissioner Jim Reno suspects that Planet Lockwood, a bar and casino in suburban Lockwood, opened a "gentleman's club" last month to coincide with the beginning of the American Bowling Congress Tournament, which runs from February through June.

Days after Planet Lockwood began offering nude dancing, commissioners asked their staff to investigate ways the county could prevent the proliferation of strip clubs. Commissioners acknowledge that they probably lack the authority to put Planet Lockwood out of business.

"The damage has been done," Reno said Friday. "I'm concerned that the lasting image 80,000 bowlers will have of Billings is nude dancing and casinos."

He added, "I'm in a rush to get something done."

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