An undercover investigation has uncovered that a California coffee shop was functioning as a 'bikini cafe,' resulting in the closure of the establishment and the arrest of 17 individuals, according to police reports. The DD Café in Garden Grove, located approximately 34 miles south of Los Angeles, was found to have workers wearing bikinis or even less clothing while serving customers, as detailed by Garden Grove Police Sgt. Nick Jensen in statements to The Orange County Register.
Undercover Operation Exposes Illegal Activities
FOX 11 conducted an undercover probe that captured female servers providing lap dances to customers, offering private dances for cash payments, and informing patrons they could bring alcohol for an additional fee. Despite claims from people associated with the business that it was merely a coffee shop, authorities arrested 17 people, including the owners, on Thursday. The arrests were made after evidence surfaced of violations related to public nudity, business operations, and alcohol regulations.
Multiple Violations and Immediate Closure
Sgt. Jensen confirmed that the shop was not permitted to sell alcohol, further compounding the legal issues. The building housing the business was also flagged for violations, necessitating an immediate cessation of operations. While specific details about the building violations were not immediately disclosed, the action underscores the severity of the infractions. This incident is not isolated, as Jensen noted that police have previously taken action against similar bikini cafes in the city, highlighting an ongoing enforcement effort.
Resident Reactions and Broader Context
Residents living near the DD café expressed little surprise upon learning of its operation as a bikini cafe, describing such businesses as an open secret in the area. Bikini cafes, typically coffee shops or drive-thru shacks where baristas wear revealing attire like bikinis or lingerie, are more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and often use provocative names to attract clientele. Authorities have not released further information about the 17 individuals arrested in connection with this case, leaving details of their identities and charges pending.
