NJ town closes fetish shop's dungeon

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (AP) - August 12, 2009 Montclair denied Dressing for Pleasure's request for a permit to host private basement "play parties." Officials say the basement featured a spanking bench, "interrogation cell" and stocks.

The shop's owners, Ed and Karen Dougherty, who are known as "Master Ed" and "slave Duchess," say they held discreet parties as often as three times a month for years. Up to 700 people are registered as members.

The couple deny sexual contact was ever allowed.

Code officials shut down the space after an anonymous complaint in June.

Township attorney Alan Trembulak says Montclair denied a request for permits for "amateur theatrical and historic reenactment."

The owners can ask the Board of Adjustment for a ruling on Aug. 19.

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Information from: The Star-Ledger, http://www.nj.com/starledger

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