City shuts down couple's sex club

Des Monies -- A Des Moines, Wash., couple said they have shut down the sex club they operated out of their home, after they were cited by the city.

Regan "Draco" Lane-Smith and "Naughty" Nonah Elliston said their home -- which they named the Hardwood Cabin -- had been a haven for swingers and fetishists, with six bedrooms, 15 mattresses, bondage crosses and sex swings, The Seattle Times reported Thursday.

The couple said they had up to 60 guests at a time in their home.

However, they said the city cited them for running a business without a license and threatened to levy fines of up to $513 a day until the club was shut down.
Lane-Smith and Elliston said they shut down the club, despite their objections that the sexy hangout was not a business because they never charged admission. They claim they are being persecuted for their lifestyle and should be able to use their home for whatever purpose they wish.

"We're happy hedonists," Elliston said. "As far as I know you're still allowed to throw a party in your house."

The couple said they are challenging the city's ruling and are due in court Sept. 11.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.