RNC Preview: The Tycoon Behind Tampa's Strip Club Scene
Jason Lange, an adult industry promoter, agrees with Redner that Tampa-area clubs probably won't receive a windfall because of the RNC.
"A lot of people are thinking it's going to be a super home run, but it's not," said Lange, who has booked some private parties for RNC-goers and is bringing in porn stars as entertainers at certain clubs during that week. "The Mitt Romneys aren't going to go into adult entertainment clubs."
Nonetheless, police have cracked down on strip clubs recently. During a recent sting at several area strip clubs, Tampa officers arrested 16 women on prostitution charges at area strip clubs. A news release said officials were trying to deter prostitution and human trafficking during the upcoming convention. No one was arrested at Redner's Mons Venus club.
Other strip club owners in Tampa are more optimistic than Lange about seeing more customers; 2001 Odyssey's Kleinhans said he's put in a VIP area for the RNC, complete with a private entrance around the side of the club, so anyone who wants to sneak in unannounced can do so.
Redner refuses to do that for his customers.
"I can't play to that part of human nature," sniffs Redner. "If you gotta hide from what you're doing, you shouldn't be doing it."
Folks have been wondering what Redner will do during the RNC. Will he protest and get arrested, like he did when President George W. Bush and his brother, Jeb, held a Tampa rally in 2008? Will he offer some outrageous promotion at The Mons? Tip reporters off if a famous politician comes into the club?
Nope. None of that.
He's going to be in Vegas, for a gentlemen's club expo. He's the keynote speaker.
"I went back and forth on whether to go," he said. "But really, my presence isn't necessary."
Email us at SmallBiz@cnbc.com and follow us on Twitter @SmallBizCNBC.