Palm Desert revokes business license of ‘Sweet Spot Club’

Update 12/15/22

The Palm Desert City Council unanimously voted to revoke the license of the Sweet Spot Club.

Original Report 12/12/22

The City of Palm Desert is planning on hosting a city council hearing on December 15 to consider the revocation of the Sweet Spot Club's business license.

Since its opening in late October, Sweet Spot has been flagged by the City of Palm Desert for conducting a business other than that for which it is licensed and obtaining the incorrect business license.

"What is most unique about Sweet Spot Club is that we offer premier experiences for members to enjoy all in one location," said Shaun Martin, Managing Director of Sweet Spot Club, in a press release in early November. "There are no other social clubs in the Palm Springs area, where guests can play poker, host business meetings, and enjoy a professional massage if they'd like. Sweet Spot Club is truly a one-stop spot for our members to escape for a few hours."

The City of Palm Desert learned of the business' alleged malpractice through a Desert Sun piece that highlighted the services Sweet Spot Club offered customers. The prohibited services include massage services, cardroom use, and a cigar lounge. Images from that report are included in a staff report prepared by city employees for councilors to review.

A cease-and-desist was issued by the City of Palm Desert on November 8, prompting the business to work to obtain the correct alcohol license and eliminate the use and references to the prohibited services. On November 18, the City of Palm Desert suspended Sweet Spot Club's business license for its failure to comply with the requirements of the cease-and-desist.

The business had left up images referencing the prohibited accessories and services and a staff report from the City of Palm Desert shows the business did not apply for the correct business license.

According to a post on Yelp.com retreived on December 12, the business description is outlined below:

Private Members Club for Men and Woman. Come inside and be hosted by Our Beautiful Female Community as they serve you Our in-house Custom Handcrafted Creations. Enjoy our Private Poker Rental Lounge and become the 'Talk Of The Town'. Call Today to be added to our interest list for Our Exclusive Introductory Pricing with No Fees or Capital Charges at anytime. Members receive drinks, massages, cigars, NFL Sunday Ticket, All Pay Per View Events, with all Sports packages and more! Bring your friends! Call Now!

yelp.com/biz/sweet-spot-club-palm-desert

Come December 15, the City of Palm Desert will hold a hearing to determine whether or not to revoke the Sweet Spot Club's business license. This is open to the public.

The city may revoke the business license after the hearing for one of the following reasons:

• What it may deem good and sufficient reasons in order to preserve the peace, health, safety, or general welfare of the city.
• Upon receiving satisfactory evidence that the licensee thereof has violated any provision of other laws relating to the city, county, state, and federal government
• Conducting a business other than that for which licensed

In the City of Palm Desert's staff report, it recommends revoking the business for the following: not having a license to offer massages, the business' violation of Alcohol and Beverage laws, and the fact that the business is conducting a business other than that for which it was operated.

News Channel 3 has reached out the City and the owner of the Sweet Spot Club for comment.

Watch News Channel 3 at 6:00 tonight for updates on this report.