Club
71 "Stripped" of Employees
By
Ron Lee
Investigative Reporter
US~Observer
Sunny Valley,
OR - Club 71, the controversial strip club owned, and now possibly
operated, by Richard Larry Lacey, was the scene of a 6 employee walk-out
Thursday (April 7th) afternoon. Citing differences with the owner the
establishment lost its manager, assistant manager, 2 bartenders, a door
staff member, and a DJ.
According to several of
those who left the employment of the erotic dance facility the scene
became rather explosive as Lacey accused a previous employee of stealing
and he (Lacey) became very aggressive. Such tactics have been used by
Lacey before when dealing with individuals who stand up to him. As such
the employees made sure to be in a group when removing their personal
belongings from club property. On the condition of anonymity an ex-employee
said, "Larry has a very physical way of communication. He tries
to impose his will by being forceful and if you don't agree, or have
a response, he explodes and it can get dangerous."
Lacey also lost
an entertainer two days prior who cited in a television interview outside
the Josephine County Court House on Wednesday that Lacey had "grabbed
her" and treated her like she was "stupid."
Several of those
that left felt that Lacey had forced them into leaving, another tactic
he has used in the past. In previous businesses he would hire someone
with the knowledge to build his business and within several months learn
what was needed and let the employee(s) go.
![](images/club71_sign.jpg)
Evidently, Lacey had replacements
ready to go and he brought on a new manager - who happens to be the
husband of one of the underage showcase dancers that would, according
to those previously at the club, sit in the club, watch his wife all
night, call her after she got off the stage every time to see how much
money she made and generally controlled every aspect of her performance.
He also had a new door staff (bouncer) member ready to work as well
as a new bartender.
According to one of the
entertainers, all of the underage dancers were standing out near the
bar area all Thursday night, a violation of OLCC regulations.
One thing is for
sure, with a previous explosive behavior toward the Sunny Valley group
that is protesting, the new manager has his job cut-out when protesting
begins again this weekend.