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GREENSBORO — Business owners along Randleman Road are applauding the police department and the city for trying to close a bar and strip club on Farragut Street through a civil nuisance abatement case.

On Wednesday, the city filed a civil lawsuit against the owner of Sugar Bare Entertainment, parent company of the Bare Villa nightclub and Nakitas Play House strip club, which leases a building at 510 Farragut St., and the property’s owner.

The case came after dozens of criminal complaints about the business and a seven-month undercover police investigation. That investigation alleges that dancers engaged in prostitution and the owners violated regulations governing alcohol sales and sexually oriented businesses.

Police met with members of the Randleman Road Merchant’s Association on Thursday morning at a monthly meeting and received plenty of positive feedback, according to Ron Surgeon, co-leader of the association.

“I feel the police have done a good job watching the business and trying to keep it clean — which is a goal of the business association,” Surgeon said.

“We don’t want to see businesses closed, but we want businesses that operate under local ordinances and state laws. We want ones that will benefit the community and offer a wholesome environment for the area.”

Mark Wheelihan, owner of Harley Davidson of Greensboro, said he is relieved the city is taking action.

“I’ve watched these (criminal activities) spill onto the street for over 10 years,” Wheelihan said.

“The drug traffic, as well as the prostitution that has been going on in broad daylight have been an embarrassment to me and the city. Hopefully, this is the tip of the iceberg of the city’s commitment to this area.”

According to an affidavit filed in court Wednesday, police have responded to about 60 criminal complaints at the business since 2001, including two homicides and multiple robberies, assaults, gunshots and disturbances.

In sworn statements from the undercover investigation, officers stated they witnessed dancers performing sexual acts on one another and patrons for money. On many occasions, officers stated, dancers solicited them for sex in private rooms at the establishment.

Darryl McCarroll, owner of Sugar Bare Entertainment, lashed out at police and city leaders, saying the police department was using “Gestapo tactics” to shut the club and said officers should have brought their concerns to his attention sooner.

He also faulted the city for trying to close his business instead of working with him to keep it open and help his employees keep their jobs.

“We investigate things going on in our business, and we ensure we are following the statutes. It’s unfortunate that they had to use taxpayer money with something to try and close us, when they should be trying to help us keep open,” McCarroll said.

Attempts to reach McCarroll for additional comment were unsuccessful Thursday afternoon. A hearing on the case has been scheduled in Guilford County Superior Court on Jan. 28.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com