Dear Editor,

As Central City voters consider whether to allow sexually oriented businesses on Main Street this November, one fact should not be overlooked: the company at the center of this debate, RCI Hospitality, has a troubling record that raises serious questions about whether it should be welcomed as a partner in our historic community.

According to reporting in CBS News and a press release from New York Attorney General Letitia James, RCI executives were recently indicted in New York for allegedly engaging in a multimillion-dollar tax fraud and bribery scheme involving state officials.

Meanwhile, two of the company’s Denver clubs were ordered to pay $14 million following a wage theft investigation by the Denver Auditor’s Office (Denver7). Another Denver venue tied to RCI faced a 14-day closure order after allegations of prostitution (9News).

Even if some residents were open to allowing a sexually oriented business in town, RCI’s repeated legal troubles suggest it is the wrong company for Central City. Our Main Street deserves businesses that honor its historic character—not those making headlines for alleged fraud, wage theft, and prostitution.

Sincerely,

Peter Droege

PS - My condolences on the recent tragic fire. I went to elementary school in Nederland and know the community will build back stronger than ever.