EDITORIAL: The naked truth: Strip clubs can lead to trouble

As Destin considers “the secondary harm” from strip clubs in its bid to keep the Oasis clothed, perhaps it would be wise to note the perils to the patron.

Two of Destin’s prominent businessmen have found themselves at the wrong end of the law recently after incidents at area gentleman’s clubs, as they are so generously called.

First came AJ’s owner Alan Laird, who was arrested after reportedly striking an employee who tried to snap a photo of him. According to a deputy’s report, Laird punched the man because he believed the man “was taking his photograph because of his standing in the community.”

Then came celebrity chef Tim Creehan, who was arrested and charged with a DUI near Destin's bridge. According to the offense report, someone from the strip club tipped off deputies that Creehan had drunk too much and was getting behind the wheel. After being pulled over and tested, Creehan told deputies, “Sir, I’m drunk,” according to the report, but he later refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Both stories appeared on thedestinlog.com, and both illustrate the type of reports that we are likely to see if the Oasis is successful in its bid to open up Mountain Drive to strip clubs. But then again, we see them anyway when you have a clothing optional district at nearby Okaloosa Island. And with the weekly police reports that come out of such establishments, is it any surprise that every so often someone well known is the source of said reports?

Perhaps the best lesson here is that local celebrities and nudie bars don’t always mix.