Council Passes 2 Laws Regulating Adult Clubs

After more than two years of researching the issue, the City Council passed two ordinances establishing business and zoning regulations for adult entertainment businesses within city limits.

The ordinance requires that any business that "offers its patrons products, merchandise, services or entertainment characterized by an emphasis upon specified sexual activities, or the exposure of specified anatomical areas" obtain a business permit and locate within a commercial district.

It also requires a distance of at least six feet between erotic entertainers and patrons and bans touching or direct tipping by patrons.

"The regulation is not designed to encourage or discourage businesses, but to put together objective criteria," said David Lightner, deputy planning director.

The ordinance also requires a distance of 300 feet between adult entertainment business and parks, religious institutions, schools or other adult businesses.