Residents and business owners near 72nd and Blondo sounded off Tuesday about a proposed bikini bar named Candyland. They brought their concerns before the Omaha City Council during a public hearing
Many parents say that children frequent the area, with a Dairy Queen and McDonald's nearby. While parents believe the bikini bar won't be good for their children, business owner Raymond Kurtzuba says he'll be a good neighbor.
Citizens believe that a slight change to his business plan would be ideal "I wish he would listen to the citizens and change it to a family-friendly restaurant. If he saw all the people and listened to the people in that room today he could probably have more success as a business running a family friendly restaurant" said Theresa Thibodeau, a concerned citizen and Nebraska State senator.
"It's not a place we need in a neighborhood," says Dan Arcuri, who has owned Danny's Bar & Grill at 72nd and Blondo for 37 years. He feels Candyland will draw a crowd that could lead to crime and chase away customers from his business.
Ultimately the city council voted 7-0 to deny the request for a liquor license. They also said that if the state liquor commission approves the license the bar will have to change its name to Kandi's to avoid confusion with the children's board game Candyland.