April 23--Male and female impersonators would be able to perform in Chicago restaurants, bars and nightclubs without being classified as "adult entertainment" under a measure aldermen gave preliminary approval Thursday.
Ald. Tom Tunney, whose 44th Ward includes the Halsted Street entertainment area in Boystown where several businesses host drag shows, is looking to change the definition of "adult entertainment." He said it would help a local business that has been held up in its bid to host impersonator shows because the city is applying the tougher standards associated that govern strip clubs.
The City Council acted years ago to pull the impersonator shows out of the adult entertainment part of the zoning code, but overlooked the fact they remained part of the definition of "adult entertainment" in the business affairs rules for issuing licenses.
"People that want to apply for (public place of amusement licenses) have to verify whether they're adult use or not. Male or female impersonator is not an adult use," the alderman said.
Tunney said approving the change would be a sign Middle America is more accepting of male and female impersonators.
"It's really entertainment for everybody, and of course there's just a lot more of it on TV. It's just much more accepted," he said. "We're a different generation."
The Zoning Committee voted to change the definition, and the proposal will be considered by the full council next month.
"I think it's a way to increase their business, and it's just much more accepted in society. It's more fun," Tunney said.
jebyrne@tribpub.com
