KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Knox County judge approved an order Friday permanently prohibiting the owner of The Ball Gentleman's Club from continuing to operate such a business there.
Authorities told 10News that John Nichols, the owner of the club, is retaining ownership of the Alcoa highway property but he's agreed not to run any kind of sexually-oriented business there.
Over the past few years, neighbors complained often about how the Ball Gentleman's Club had become a nuisance. Jason Blasdell who lives behind this property said it has been a problem.
"We have small children and oftentimes, we'll be having bonfires at the house and gunshots will ring out, towards my house, and it's just really scary," Blasdell said.
If Nichols wants to lease the club to future tenants, he can. However, the court order includes a list of rules for Nichols to follow.
If there is a future business—it must close by 3 a.m., comply with zoning regulations, must ensure employed security staff is properly licensed and allow law enforcement to inspect the property to make sure the business is following court orders.
The Ball has been a consistent source of trouble for Knoxville authorities. Within the last year, authorities have been there at least 15 times. Within the previous five years, police responded to 55 disturbances, one assault, three shootings, 11 loud parties and one overdose.
After the strip club was forced to close in June by Knox County, a new sign that says "Dazey Dukez Gentlemen's Club" was raised.
"Now the violence, it's everywhere," said Elmer Sage, who works nearby the property. "It's not in that one business that can be in my business when people do what people do. But life goes on. So I don't think you should destroy the business."
If the owner leases the property to another business, they will need to close by 3 a.m. and follow zoning regulations. If they employ security staff, the guards will also need to be licensed. Law enforcement officers must also be allowed the inspect the property to make sure it's following the rules.
"I think the changes at this location set the precedent for any business that comes into the area that safety is important, the most important thing to our community. And that precedent, this is is something I want to make sure we continue for any new business," said one member of city council.