thedrifter
02-13-07, 07:09 AM
Nightclub put off limits to area troops
February 13,2007
ROSELEE PAPANDREA
While it's up to a judge to decide whether Southern Comfort can continue to operate in Sneads Ferry, Marines and sailors stationed aboard Camp Lejeune are no longer allowed to frequent the business.
Southern Comfort, which has been identified by Onslow County as an adult business, was placed "off limits" to Camp Lejeune military personnel by Col. Adele Hodges, commander of Camp Lejeune.
Hodges made the final decision Wednesday after receiving a recommendation from the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board following the group's Feb. 1 meeting, 2nd Lt. Craig Thomas, Camp Lejeune spokesman, said Monday.
The Onslow County Sheriff's Department raided the nightclub Jan. 13 and charged seven people with a variety of crimes, including crimes against nature and indecent exposure.
The Sheriff's Department notified the base following the raid, and the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board decided to review the possibility of placing Southern Comfort off limits, Thomas said.
The board's mission is to make recommendations to the base commander "concerning the correction of conditions which may adversely affect the health, safety, morals, welfare, morale or discipline of military personnel," according to Base Order 1620.10C.
Conditions considered range from "criminal misconduct" to "prostitution and venereal disease" to "military and civilian relationships that may be detrimental to military personnel," according to the order.
A certified letter was sent to Southern Comfort, which is owned by Reynold Lewis of Reynold Enterprises and operated by Gerald Winslow. Troy and Ann Lawler own the property it's on. Owners were given the opportunity to attend the meeting.
The president of the board submitted to Hodges a written report with background information as well as the recommendation to place the club off limits, and Hodges approved it Feb. 7. A letter was then sent to Southern Comfort, Thomas said.
Marines and sailors were also informed "through (public affairs officer) efforts as well as a base bulletin that goes to all commands" that the club is now off limits, Thomas said.
Southern Comfort, which is on N.C. 172, has been on the county's radar since November when the owners and operators were notified that the business was in violation of the county zoning ordinance adopted in April 2004.
Southern Comfort is in an area zoned highway business district. Adult businesses are only allowed within the heavy industry district. Cherry's, which is also in Sneads Ferry, was also cited at the same time.
Attorneys representing both businesses filed appeals that are expected to be heard at a Board of Adjustments meeting tonight at 6:30 in the Onslow County Health Department's auditorium.
Troy and Ann Lawler of Surf City, Winslow and Reynold Lewis were all charged with violating the county's adult business ordinance and were served with criminal summonses Feb. 2.
Superior Court Judge John Nobles issued a temporary restraining order Feb. 6 against Southern Comfort, prohibiting illegal activity on the property until a preliminary injunction hearing is held Thursday in Onslow County Superior Court.
Contact staff writer Roselee Papandrea at rpapandrea@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, ext. 238.
Ellie
February 13,2007
ROSELEE PAPANDREA
While it's up to a judge to decide whether Southern Comfort can continue to operate in Sneads Ferry, Marines and sailors stationed aboard Camp Lejeune are no longer allowed to frequent the business.
Southern Comfort, which has been identified by Onslow County as an adult business, was placed "off limits" to Camp Lejeune military personnel by Col. Adele Hodges, commander of Camp Lejeune.
Hodges made the final decision Wednesday after receiving a recommendation from the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board following the group's Feb. 1 meeting, 2nd Lt. Craig Thomas, Camp Lejeune spokesman, said Monday.
The Onslow County Sheriff's Department raided the nightclub Jan. 13 and charged seven people with a variety of crimes, including crimes against nature and indecent exposure.
The Sheriff's Department notified the base following the raid, and the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board decided to review the possibility of placing Southern Comfort off limits, Thomas said.
The board's mission is to make recommendations to the base commander "concerning the correction of conditions which may adversely affect the health, safety, morals, welfare, morale or discipline of military personnel," according to Base Order 1620.10C.
Conditions considered range from "criminal misconduct" to "prostitution and venereal disease" to "military and civilian relationships that may be detrimental to military personnel," according to the order.
A certified letter was sent to Southern Comfort, which is owned by Reynold Lewis of Reynold Enterprises and operated by Gerald Winslow. Troy and Ann Lawler own the property it's on. Owners were given the opportunity to attend the meeting.
The president of the board submitted to Hodges a written report with background information as well as the recommendation to place the club off limits, and Hodges approved it Feb. 7. A letter was then sent to Southern Comfort, Thomas said.
Marines and sailors were also informed "through (public affairs officer) efforts as well as a base bulletin that goes to all commands" that the club is now off limits, Thomas said.
Southern Comfort, which is on N.C. 172, has been on the county's radar since November when the owners and operators were notified that the business was in violation of the county zoning ordinance adopted in April 2004.
Southern Comfort is in an area zoned highway business district. Adult businesses are only allowed within the heavy industry district. Cherry's, which is also in Sneads Ferry, was also cited at the same time.
Attorneys representing both businesses filed appeals that are expected to be heard at a Board of Adjustments meeting tonight at 6:30 in the Onslow County Health Department's auditorium.
Troy and Ann Lawler of Surf City, Winslow and Reynold Lewis were all charged with violating the county's adult business ordinance and were served with criminal summonses Feb. 2.
Superior Court Judge John Nobles issued a temporary restraining order Feb. 6 against Southern Comfort, prohibiting illegal activity on the property until a preliminary injunction hearing is held Thursday in Onslow County Superior Court.
Contact staff writer Roselee Papandrea at rpapandrea@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, ext. 238.
Ellie