Joe Redner, the unapologetic owner of Tampa’s famed Mons Venus club, opens up about his successor, a lifetime of legal battles and what he’d most like to be remembered for.
(NOTE: This story appears in the May 2025 issue of ED Magazine.)
Joe Redner is a legendary figure from Tampa, Florida, known worldwide for revolutionizing the adult entertainment industry by inventing the lap dance and establishing one of America’s most iconic adult nightclubs, Mons Venus. Redner, an ED Hall of Fame inductee, is often dubbed Tampa’s “Strip Club King,” but he is much more. Redner has been a tireless, outspoken advocate for First Amendment rights and personal freedoms, frequently confronting local, state, and federal authorities in high-profile legal battles. Over the decades, his persistence in defending the adult entertainment business has led to numerous court cases and over 150 arrests, solidifying his reputation as a relentless champion of Free Speech.
Beyond his club empire, Redner’s colorful life story includes overcoming significant personal challenges, including battles with stage-4 lung cancer, which he faced with characteristic defiance and resilience. An avowed atheist and staunch progressive independent, Redner has also been deeply involved in community activism, supporting progressive causes ranging from marijuana legalization to LGBTQ rights. His entrepreneurial ventures extend into real estate (he’s the landlord of, among others, the Tampa IRS office), brewing, and philanthropy, reflecting his diverse interests and enduring influence within Tampa’s social and business landscape.
Now in his mid-80s, Joe Redner remains an unapologetic provocateur, committed to fighting for civil liberties, advocating for responsible government, and living life on his terms. ED Legal Correspondent Larry Kaplan spoke with Joe Redner about stepping away from Mons Venus and choosing Don Kleinhans as his successor. Redner also reflected on his history of activism, employee loyalty, frequent legal battles and his mission to educate people on the dangers of authoritarianism.
ED: Your reputation in Tampa is close to legend. Still, many outside the city limits may not know of your other endeavors besides the Mons, such as your real estate holdings, the creation of Cigar City Brewing, and your marijuana advocacy. At an age when your contemporaries would be well into retirement, you’re still going strong. Why not enjoy the fruits of your labor?
Redner: I am very content, always enjoying the fruits of my labor.
ED: For decades, you were so closely aligned with Mons Venus. When the management deal with Don Kleinhans was announced, many people were shocked, considering the Mons’ reputation. I’m sure you’ve had various offers to purchase the Mons over the years. Why was it time for Joe Redner to let go of the Mons? And what was it about Don Kleinhans that made you believe he and his team were the right people to take over the club?
Redner: Over the years, I have received purchasing offers; with Don’s offer, I get to keep my property. Don and his group were the right team because they already had a successful adult club.
I am a progressive independent, and the voters only saw me as an adult entertainment person, not as a good human being. I do not cheat, lie or steal.
— Joe Redner
ED: You’re a staunch anti-Trump advocate. Now that he’s back in office, did you feel that letting go of Mons was the right decision, considering the conservative climate sweeping the country?
Redner: I do not agree; I think the climate sweeping us right now is that they want to do as Mussolini did in Italy, to seize power and establish a one-party dictatorship.
ED: Your employees and entertainers describe you as family to them. How do you build such strong loyalty among those who work for you, especially in an industry often viewed with skepticism and stigma?
Redner: I accomplished it by always treating them with respect and dignity.
ED: You’ve talked openly about questioning authority from a young age, selling newspapers during the Korean War, and questioning religion early on. How did these experiences shape who you eventually became?
Redner: If you are a Christian and if there was a god, how could horrible things be done to people?
ED: You’ve been arrested over 150 times related to your businesses. What motivated you to keep pushing forward despite this level of pressure?
Redner: I had nowhere to go and no alternative, so I had to sue.
ED: You once offered free lap dances to anyone in your club with an “I Voted” sticker. Was this purely marketing, or did it reflect a deeper political motivation?
Redner: I did not want to change anyone’s vote; I just wanted them to get out and vote.
ED: You describe yourself as a fierce advocate for First Amendment rights. Do you think your battles have significantly influenced Tampa’s perception of adult entertainment?
Redner: Unfortunately, my efforts didn’t influence the public perception of adult entertainment in Tampa; the churches did.
ED: You have a history of directly suing and confronting local authorities. Is there a particular legal victory you’re most proud of?
Redner: I once received a court-ordered $5.00 from the city attorney for a bottle of water that was stolen during a police raid.
ED: You’ve run for local political offices multiple times without winning. Do you think Tampa voters misunderstood you, or did you run primarily to bring awareness to specific issues?
Redner: I am a progressive independent, and the voters only saw me as an adult entertainment person, not as a good human being. I do not cheat, lie, or steal.
ED: After decades of fighting government regulations, public perceptions, and personal health battles, what do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Redner: I tried to warn people about the authoritarianism in this country.
ED: What would you like your legacy to be in Tampa at this point in your life?
Redner: I’d like to be remembered for being a good human being.
ED: Finally, do you have any regrets?
Redner: I wish I had been born with a better memory.
Larry Kaplan has been the legal correspondent for ED Magazine for 24 years. Mr. Kaplan is a broker in the sales and purchase of adult nightclubs and adult retail stores and the Executive Director of the ACE of Michigan adult nightclub state trade association. Contact Larry Kaplan at 313-815-3311 or larry@kaplanclubsales.com.
