River Laker -- before the striptease

A downtown Roanoke restaurant faces an ABC hearing today for the fund-raising event in February that included a striptease.  202 Market says it was as surprised as anyone else to find it taking place at a charity event. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones has the story.

[audio:https://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/08-17-202-Market-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=08-17 202 Market Wrap1-WEB]

A YouTube video, since deleted, showed River Laker placing flowers in a bicycle helmet  before taking the stage at the Valentini Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction auction February 4th. The performance turned into a striptease — eventually nothing left but the strategically-placed helmet and flowers. Nudity is not permitted in Virginia restuarants serving mixed drinks, and even though organizers and 202 Market both say they had no idea this was coming,  the restaurant faces an ABC charge of allowing a striptease. Today’s hearing has a wide range of possible outcomes, anywhere from dismissal of the charge to liquor license revocation. Rulings in such proceedings typically come 30 to 45 days later.