Strip Club Sign Along Highway Causes Mayes County Dustup

A Mayes County strip club is getting heat from the community.

Neighbors say a banner along U.S. Highway 412 advertising for the nightclub is offensive, and now, they're getting law enforcement involved.

The Mayes County Sheriff's Office says it has gotten hundreds of complaints about the sign. 

But aside from all of that, they say the sign is against state law.

"Full nude, full contact."

Those are just a few of the words that greeted drivers heading west on highway 412 through Chouteau.

The sign advertising for Sensations Gentleman's Club and it is meant to get your attention.

It got the attention of the sheriff's office.

"Numerous complaints to deputies, not just calls, but flagging down a deputy in the field,” Capt. Rod Howell said. “There's been calls to the sheriff himself about it."

Deputies served the club with a cease-and-desist letter to take it down, not because the sign is offensive, but because of where it's located.

"Where it's sitting, next to a state highway,” Howell said. “U.S. 412 is considered in the state highway system."

State law says “no billboard or other exterior advertising sign for an adult cabaret or sexually oriented business shall be located within 1 mile of any state highway."

State law says anyone who violates this statute would be guilty of a misdemeanor.

The club's owner did not want to talk on camera, but he told us he wasn't aware of the state statute and doesn't want any trouble.

So he took his $900 banner down.

While some Chouteau residents are relieved...

“I think you could come up with a better sign, you know? Just something that's not so vulgar,” Chouteau’s Lyla Holman said.  

... others say they don't see what the fuss is all about.

"I mean, I'm not for it, but what harm is a sign?" Chouteau business owner Donna Bullard said.