'Erotic nightclub' coming to West Chester

The owners of an "erotic nightclub" in Indiana are bringing a similar members-only business to Butler County.

An application, filed in October and obtained by The Enquirer, describes the Champagne Club as a "sexually-oriented business used as an adult nightclub." It will be located at 9834 Harwood Court in West Chester Township, the former site of Top-Line Armor Systems.

The surrounding area is primarily industrial, but there is a daycare facility about 600 feet away in Fairfield.

West Chester's zoning code was changed in 2011 to prohibit sexually-oriented businesses from operating within 500 feet of schools, churches and some other facilities, according Barb Wilson, the township's spokeswoman.

"This particular business did their homework. They completed the application, got their business license and had identified the location where they wanted to operate," said Wilson. "It was within the appropriate zoning code standards for a sexually-oriented business."

The owner of the nearby daycare is concerned about the new business and says other business owners in the area are too. Michael Bruns, president of Arnold Gauge Company across the street, told The Enquirer in an email business owners are meeting Wednesday to discuss the situation.

The applicants also own a Champagne Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which, according to its website, "is about getting sexy people together in an erotic nightclub and letting them explore at their own pace."

"We will set the mood, you can do the rest. We are perfect for couples and singles who just want to check things out and see where they may lead," according to the website. "We want you to have as much fun as YOU want to have."

Owners Melissa Warren and Eric Adams did not respond to multiple requests for an interview, but said in an emailed statement to The Enquirer they "aim to be a welcoming and cooperative business neighbor."

"We have operated a private club similar to this one ... for four years and have been a model business owner with absolutely NO problems needing police intervention," the owners said. "During the time of day a customer would visit any business along Harwood Court, they will only see a non-descript (sic) building just like any other business in the area."

In West Chester, the business will operate from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Every other Wednesday, it will be open from 8 p.m. until midnight.

"Certainly we understand the concerns of surrounding business and such, but zoning has to be a objective process," Wilson said. "The zoning code can’t be selectively enforced."

The application was approved and the business is expected to open toward the end of the year.