Despite intense opposition from neighbors, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission on Thursday granted a liquor license to a vegan strip club that plans to open in Southeast Portland.

Casa Diablo, which already has a club at 2839 N.W. St. Helens Road, has been trying to open a new one at 8445 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd.

But neighborhood opposition to the liquor application has slowed the process.

Southeast Portland residents who live nearby have said they are concerned about public safety in the area.

But Johnny Zukle, a co-owner of the club, told OLCC commissioners that crime is not a problem at his club in Northwest Portland.

Zukle agreed Thursday to some restrictions on the license. But that didn’t satisfy everyone.

Robert McCullough, president of the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association, said in an email Thursday afternoon that he testified against granting Casa Diablo a liquor license.

“The OLCC listened carefully and then decided in Casa Diablo's favor with some face-saving restrictions,” he wrote. “The bottom line is that vegetable-wielding strippers won the day.”

-- Stephen Beaven