By Chris Taylor
Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel was the thousandth person to sign a petition seeking to stop a strip club from opening within city limits. However, the city is helpless to block Metro Pony Strip Club from opening because Illinois state law forbids municipalities from banning adult-oriented businesses. McDaniel tells the Paducah Sun the proposed strip club is degrading to women and something his city can do without. Owner Jerry Westlund says his employees are not victimized and make their own decisions, adding the business will create 45 jobs and will benefit the local economy. Despite being unable to outright ban the business, Metropolis is looking into regulating conduct within it through an ordinance.