Adult Ordinance Gains Clout

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Adult companies in the South continue to battle against pending legislation that could eventually spell trouble for many businesses that have been in place for years, or for those that are looking to set up shop.

Among the many adult companies that could be affected by the new law is Larry Flynt Publications (LFP) and its plan to open a Hustler retail chain along the interstate interchange in Lexington.

But LFP's plans were sidetracked when the Urban City Council swiftly approved a moratorium that would permanently prohibit any new adult stores from opening along interstates.

On the table right now is a proposed ordinance that would put severe restrictions on adult establishments such as strip clubs, adult bookstores, adult novelty shops, and businesses that specialize in adult entertainment items.

According to reports, the ordinance would require employees and some owners of adult entertainment businesses to register with the government. Businesses would be required to close between the hours of 1 a.m. and 9 am, and nude dancers would be required to wear pasties and G-strings.

The ordinance, if approved, would also prohibit nude or semi-nude dancers from being touched by club patrons, or vice versa, and dancers would be required to maintain a 6-foot distance from customers. Tipping would also be prohibited, according to the Courier-Journal.

In its effort to quell a legal uprising from adult entertainment companies affected by the new law, the council has tried to convey that they are not trying to prohibit adult companies from setting up shop in areas that are properly zoned, they are just trying to gain control over the indoor and outdoor environments those types of businesses attract.

Similar attempts have been made in the past to pass laws that restrict adult entertainment companies, but council members and lawyers have been unable to prove to a judge that adult businesses bring crime and prostitution to the neighborhoods in which they are situated.

According to the Courier-Journal, Louisville and Jefferson County have struggled unsuccessfully in the past to draft and pass similar legislation, and there are eleven pending lawsuits over existing and former laws.

The ordinance currently being mulled over by the city council is gaining support from family organizations, activists, and religious groups who oppose the presence of pornography in their communities.

However lawyers representing a slew of adult companies that oppose the ordinance claim that it could potentially harm their businesses if signed into law. They are also threatening to sue if the ordinance is passed.

A lawyer who recently helped draft the legislation told the Louisville City Council that there was a very strong chance the legislation would gain state approval because it closely resembles laws in other U.S. cities like Cincinnati and Nashville.

Although, the Courier-Journal reports that when the council met behind closed doors to discuss the ordinance this week, they may have violated Kentucky's open-meetings law, which requires governmental bodies to conduct public business in public.

Council members are currently denying any wrongdoing and claim that the topic of discussion during their closed-door session was in obeyance with the law.

Under state law, city council members are allowed to discuss pending litigation in closed session, however they are not allowed to discuss pending legislation in private, the Courier-Journal reports.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More