New Chicago Dungeon Under Scrutiny

City Hall has moved to pause a business that operates as a “sex dungeon” while officials decide how it fits into the city’s rules. The shutdown comes after a past case involving a woman who ran a high‑end brothel that attracted thousands of clients and earned over a million dollars. That woman, known as Madame Priscilla Belle, was later found guilty of running a prostitution ring on the West Side. She and her lawyers claimed she paid taxes and operated legally, but evidence showed she arranged sex work for customers. The current case involves a place that offers rooms for couples, friends and events. The business says it is honest and transparent about its model. A city commissioner explained that the venue mixes many activities but all revolve around sexual play. He said the shop is in a gray zone of the licensing code, not clearly fitting one category or another. Because of that uncertainty, the department has issued a temporary cease‑and‑desist order while it reviews the law.The length of the pause and whether it will become permanent depends on a new investigation. The mayor’s office may decide to tighten the rules if the shop could harm the community. The commissioner added that they want to understand what the business does and whether it adds value or creates problems. This is not the first time a Chicago dungeon has faced legal scrutiny. In 2024, another kinky venue used a county program that gave tax breaks to small storefronts with apartments. The owner saved nearly $300, 000 in taxes by claiming part of the building was residential rather than commercial. The operator said he does not use the apartments for his business, which is limited to a 1, 450‑square‑foot retail space. The city’s investigation will look at how these businesses operate and whether they comply with existing laws. The outcome may lead to clearer guidelines for any future ventures that blend entertainment, sex work and real‑estate benefits.