Strip club near Charlotte hit with liquor violations for ‘fondling’ and drugs
A three-month investigation into the Leather & Lace strip club in Gastonia by North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents led to uncovering drugs, alcohol and other violations, documents show.
A 21-page report filed with the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission earlier this year shows seven violations from September to November 2024.
The club was one of 84 public hearing cases that were ratified, meaning approved and confirmed as proposed settlement for alleged violations, during Wednesday’s regular meeting of the state ABC commission. Penalties totaled over $100,800 or suspensions, according to the commission.
Undercover ALE agents were following up at Leather & Lace after a complaint about customers consuming alcoholic beverages and controlled substance sales in the club’s parking lot.
The clubs are part of MAL Entertainment Inc., owned by David “Slim” Baucom Jr. Baucom did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
Leather & Lace investigation
Three ALE agents visited the 512 W. Main Ave. club four times during the three-month operation, reports show.
The violations, according to the ABC commission, included:
- “Openly smoking marijuana and using cocaine” and the sale of controlled substances including cocaine, marijuana and MDMA, known as “Molly,” in the business parking lot to undercover agents. On two separate nights, Leather & Lace employees either offered to sell directly or coordinate the sale of drugs between patrons and the undercover agents.
- Selling and consumption of alcohol after 2 a.m. An employee and dancers also consumed alcoholic beverages while working.
- A dancer also was observed “fondling” her breasts during a lap dance, a violation of the alcohol permit.
Penalties and charges
To settle the violations, the club has until Jan. 2 to pay a $5,000 fine or face a liquor license suspension, according to the ABC commission. If the fine is paid, the 65-day suspension will be shortened to 15 days starting Jan. 9.
Three people were charged in the drug-related incidents: Roy Berga Jr., known as “Miami,” of Shelby; Tesla Nicole Blackburn of Hickory; and Donald Carroll Taylor of Marshville.
North Carolina is one of 17 states to regulate alcohol through a control system.
