Strip Club Closes; Owner Cites Harassment

A strip club that drew frequent protests from local residents has closed its doors.

Papagayo’s owner, Frank Colacurcio Jr., confirmed the closing Tuesday night, blaming “selective law enforcement and continual harassment” by Bellevue authorities.

The club had opened in January.

“I’m really pleased they’re closing,” said Kitty England, who helped organize picketing efforts.

England said strengthening city ordinances was her group’s goal, “otherwise we’d be fighting this battle over and over again.”

New city regulations included requirements that dancers remain four feet from patrons’ tables and that interior lighting be brighter than the establishments preferred. The regulations last week were upheld in King County Superior Court.

But Colacurcio criticized the regulatory effort. “They went out of their way to shut us down,” he said.The strip joints did not serve alcohol.