State, Selma shutter nuisance strip club

A Selma strip club that has been in trouble with the law for years has agreed to close its doors, state officials said Thursday.

The owners of Gentlemen’s Playhouse, at 200 Graham St., have entered into a contractual agreement with the town of Selma that places restrictive covenants on current and future use of the property, officials said.

Alleged criminal conduct and violations of state alcohol regulations had brought the business scrutiny from both the Selma Police Department and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement for years. Authorities filed a civil nuisance abatement action against the club in 2019.

"Over a period that has spanned years, the citizens of Selma and Johnston County are keenly aware and have unfairly suffered due to activities stemming from this specific property,” Selma Police Chief William Thomas said in a statement.

To avoid a court fight, local officials and the club owners negotiated a settlement that prohibits the property from operating as an adult live entertainment business, sexually oriented business or strip club for at least 30 years. The owners also cannot engage in or allow nuisance-related activities on the property.

"I sincerely appreciate the cooperation from the property owners, as we worked collectively to solve this problem and encourage new business opportunities in this area," Thomas said.