Redner sees GOP gold; other strip clubs not so sure

Ask strip club owners whether the 2012 Republican National Convention will mean big business for them and you'll get an argument.

You'd think they were talking politics.

Joe Redner, owner of Tampa's legendary Mons Venus, 2040 N. Dale Mabry Highway, says never mind that the GOP has pitched itself as the party of family values.

"Washington, D.C., per capita, sells more bondage leather than any place else in the world," said Redner, a perennial candidate for local office who last ran as a Democrat. "Those people are kinky."

Redner expects a windfall when the convention arrives in August 2012, adding, "The Republicans are so religious because they have so much to be guilty about."

But Dan Siegel, general manager of Bliss Cabaret in Clearwater, said the expected 40,000 conventioneers plus news crews and other hangers-on will have little impact on his business.

"Being the GOP convention, it probably will not," said Siegel, whose club is at 3860 Ulmerton Road. "I would think they would want to keep a low profile with respect to our sort of establishment."

Restaurants and regular bars will do great because the conventioneers don't mind spending money, he said. Not with him, though.

"You've got to look at their political view. They don't advocate our type of business. They frown on it."

The Tampa Bay area has about 50 strip clubs, according to Tampa Tribune research, as well as the reputation that goes with them. The clubs rated a mention in much of the national reaction Thursday to news the convention is coming here.

Their reputation spread during the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in 2009, when some clubs stayed open 24 hours, doubled and tripled the number of dancers, built additions, and even set up tents and RVs outside as dressing rooms.

No one's planning to gear up for the Republicans, yet, but they've still got more than two years until showtime.

"If they're going to come, they'll come," said Kristen Hubbell, promotions manager for Déjà Vu at 6805 E. Adamo Drive in Tampa.

Still, more people in town always means more potential business, club owners agreed.

Bobby Venniro, who owns The PlayPen and 24K Gentlemen's Club near U.S. 19 in Clearwater, said he'll try to draw in the crowds during the convention.

"Advertise a little more; drink specials, dance specials," he said.

The convention is a production of the same organization that made headlines last month when it foot the bill for $2,000 in meals at a Hollywood club featuring topless dancers in bondage outfits.

The Republican National Committee demanded payback from the donor-vendor, who submitted the bill and fired a staff member who helped organize the outing.

The scandal didn't surprise the outspoken Redner, who said he went to the 2004 GOP convention in New York to join in protests there.

"The difference is the Republicans will come in, and they'll lie about it," Redner said. "The Democrats will come in, and they won't lie about it."

Other club owners were more politic.

Would they expect a bigger boost in business if the Democrats were coming to town?

"Not much of a difference," replied Hubbell.

Added Venniro, "I have no opinion on that."