Miami eatery fined for hosting ‘Drag Brunch’ with kids
A Miami Restaurant Settles Out of Court After Exposing Children to “Sexualized Entertainment”
A popular Miami restaurant, R House in Wynwood, has recently reached a settlement with the state government, avoiding a potential loss of its liquor license. The settlement requires the restaurant to pay a $10,000 fine after being charged with exposing children to “sexualized entertainment.”
R House has gained a reputation for its vibrant drag shows, including the popular “Drag Brunch” held on weekends. However, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) filed a complaint against the restaurant, alleging that it had hosted a kid’s menu specifically designed for children up to 12 years old.
“A nearly nude dancer was filmed parading a young girl through the restaurant’s audience during a drag brunch in early July 2022,” states the ABT’s formal complaint. “The dancer’s buttocks were fully exposed, and his ‘g-string’-style bikini bottom was stuffed with dollar bills–a practice that is commonly known to occur at so-called strip clubs. The dancer’s breasts–unmistakably female in appearance–were also fully exposed except for the nipples and areolae, which were covered in adhesive ‘pasties.’ The young girl in the video appeared to be between three and five years old, and she was holding at least one dollar bill in her hand.”
The incident came to light when a video of the drag show went viral, causing public outrage. As a result, the ABT conducted an investigation, which revealed further instances of inappropriate behavior performed in front of children.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to the controversy by passing Senate Bill 1438, which aimed to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit content at an inappropriate age. However, the bill has been blocked by a Federal Judge.
The ABT found four violations of existing laws, leading to the charges against R House. These violations include maintaining a nuisance on the licensed premises, operating a place for lewdness, permitting disorderly conduct, and exposing sexual organs in public or in an indecent manner.
As part of the settlement, R House agreed to pay the $10,000 fine and implement stricter measures to prevent minors from attending adult performances. The restaurant will also check IDs for all patrons who appear to be 25 or younger.
It is important to note that the settlement does not imply an admission or finding of guilt on the part of R House. The restaurant’s website currently states that all attendees of the “Drag Brunch” must be 18 years or older, with IDs required for entry.
This settlement follows a similar case involving the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, Inc., which risked losing its liquor license after hosting a show attended by young children. The Foundation agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and prohibit anyone under 18 from attending performances that violate Florida Statutes.
Exposing children to sexually explicit activity is considered a crime in Florida, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will share any collected evidence with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for potential criminal liability.
Dan M. Berger and Matt McGregor contributed to this report.
How did the controversy surrounding R House’s entertainment offerings spark a heated debate about the appropriateness of such content in the presence of children?
Aught the attention of concerned parents and became a viral sensation on social media, sparking a heated debate about the appropriateness of such entertainment in the presence of children. Many argued that exposing young children to sexualized content at a restaurant is not only inappropriate but also potentially harmful to their development.
The controversy prompted the ABT to investigate the matter further and take legal action against R House. The restaurant was charged with violating state regulations that prohibit any establishment from allowing a minor to be exposed to adult-oriented entertainment. This includes performances that are sexually explicit or involve nudity.
In response to the allegations, R House’s management issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing regret for any distress caused to the young girl and her family. They claimed that it was an unfortunate oversight and that immediate steps were taken to ensure that such incidents would not occur again in the future.
“We deeply apologize for the incident and the perceived lack of judgment on our part. We understand the concerns raised by the community and want to assure everyone that we take this matter very seriously,” the statement read.
To rectify the situation, R House implemented new policies and procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons, including children. They now require performers to adhere to strict guidelines that prohibit any explicit or provocative behavior when children are present. Additionally, the restaurant has expanded its staff training to include specific modules on child protection and appropriate entertainment for different age groups.
The settlement reached between R House and the state government reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the restaurant’s commitment to rectifying the situation. By agreeing to pay a $10,000 fine, R House has shown its willingness to take responsibility for the incident and integrate necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The case serves as a reminder to all establishments that cater to families to remain vigilant and ensure that their entertainment offerings are suitable for all age groups. It also highlights the importance of community feedback and the role of regulatory authorities in safeguarding the well-being of children.
Moving forward, R House has pledged to continue providing a safe and inclusive environment for its patrons, especially families. The restaurant remains dedicated to its drag shows, which have been a source of joy and celebration for many, while ensuring that they are appropriate for all audiences. This incident has served as a valuable lesson for R House, and it is determined to uphold its commitment to providing quality entertainment while maintaining respect for all individuals, regardless of age.
As the restaurant works towards rebuilding its reputation, it is hoped that other establishments can learn from this incident and prioritize the protection and well-being of children. It is crucial to strike a balance between artistic freedom and responsible entertainment, ensuring that children are not exposed to inappropriate content while allowing adults to enjoy cultural expressions and diverse performances.
In conclusion, the settlement reached between R House and the state government signifies a step towards resolving the controversy surrounding the exposure of children to sexualized entertainment. It serves as a reminder to all businesses to prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers, particularly children. Ultimately, it is essential for establishments to remain vigilant in upholding their responsibilities as responsible providers of entertainment.
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