by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
A new restaurant opened in San Marco this month and at least one person isn’t very happy about it. According to City Council member Art Shad, Diamond Dolls, where the wait staff wears bikinis, is “very troubling.”
“It’s outrageous,” said Shad, who represents the area. “Aside from it attracting the wrong kind of crowd, it’s located within 100 yards of the residential neighborhood.
“I’ll do whatever I can to get them out of there.”
The only problem is that Diamond Dolls owner Mike Tomkovich isn’t breaking any laws.
Restaurant management declined to comment further.
Zoned as a restaurant, Diamond Dolls can dress its staff however Tomkovich sees fit as long as he meets minimum standards. The restaurant will also serve alcohol.
“At least they aren’t licensed to be nude, but we’re on a slippery slope,” said Shad. “Nothing against Hooters, but the only difference between the two is the size of the uniforms and a brass bar in the middle of the place.
“From what I’m hearing, there is nothing we can do about what they wear or if they dance. Bad taste apparently isn’t against the law.”
Shad said he was concerned more businesses like Diamond Dolls would open in the area as the Super Bowl approaches.
“I guarantee that this isn’t the first one we’ll see,” he said. “People want to make a quick buck on the Super Bowl and this is what we’re getting.
“(Tomkovich) already told me they’ll be gone after February, but that isn’t good enough. The community is outraged and they have every right to be.”
Perhaps working in Shad’s favor is some long-pending legislation sponsored by Jerry Holland.
In limbo since former mayor John Delaney’s administration, Holland is said to be getting close to moving forward with it.
Holland said he wasn’t sure his bill would bring relief to Shad.
The bill seeks to more clearly define adult entertainment and hold owners accountable for what goes on in their club.
“It will also be much more restrictive on adult entertainment venues that are located near churches and day cares,” said Holland. “But I don’t know how it will affect a place that’s near other restaurants.
“It might not be restrictive in that respect.”
Either way, Shad said he’ll be putting a lot of pressure on Diamond Dolls until he sees some results.
“Something needs to be done,” he said. “San Marco is a wonderful neighborhood and it has come a long way. It doesn’t need something like this to bring it down.”