Arizona Law Restricts Adult Businesses

PHOENIX — A new Arizona ordinance signed into law on Friday, restricts strip clubs, adult bookstores and escort agencies from operating within a quarter mile of schools, parks, churches and residential neighborhoods.

The law, which enjoyed bipartisan support in the Arizona Legislature, was signed by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano and backed by the Center for Arizona Policy.

Many feel recent regulations enacted by the mayors of Phoenix and Scottsdale respectively, are the impetus for the new statewide zoning law.

Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon has fought against a planned strip club opening downtown and rallied for zoning regulations barring new adult operations from opening in Copper Square.

While the latest law restricts the geographic location of adult operations, the city of Scottsdale and Mayor Mary Manross put the clamp on activities taking place within them.

In a unanimous decision late last year, the City Council agreed to outlaw full nudity in Scottsdale, as well as impose a new four-foot rule between patrons and dancers at strip clubs in the city, effectively outlawing lap dances.

Jenna Jameson, who purchased Babe’s Cabaret in Scottsdale where she lives, thinks the law might have been a direct result of her involvement.

“We are outraged that [they] have enacted an ordinance that will effectively put our law-abiding and tax-paying cabaret out of business,” Jameson said in an official statement. “They have created unfair and uncompromising rules governing the [clubs]. I believe this would not have become an issue if I hadn’t invested in the club.”

City officials have gone to great lengths in Arizona to stop the spread of adult-oriented businesses.

Scottsdale officials have been working with Tennessee lawyer Scott Bergthold, an expert on drafting strip club regulations who has helped several cities enact stricter laws for adult businesses. He heads multiple socially conservative groups, including the Community Defense Council, and has made his entire legal practice defending strip club regulations.

Copyright © 2024 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

Justices Alito, Thomas Invoke Victorian-Era Morality Law, Raising Censorship Concerns

Several national publications reported this week on widespread concern among Free Speech advocates after U.S. Supreme Court Justices Samuel Scalia and Clarence Thomas repeatedly invoked during a hearing the infamous segregation-era law the Comstock Act, which was the cornerstone of U.S. censorship of sexual material from the 1870s until the 1970s.

LELO Launches 'Masturbitter' Craft Beer to Promote Male Sex Talk

LELO has partnered with Great Beyond Brewing Company to launch Masturbitter, a craft beer, to encourage men to discuss sex.

Nebraska AV Bill Moves Forward Despite Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature has given first-round approval to LB 1092, the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still pursue antitrust claims in the future.

Xgen Now Shipping ZOLO's 'Stroke Off' Collection

Xgen Products is now shipping the Stroke Off collection of 11 handheld strokers and four masturbators modeled after lifelike body parts.

Nobü Unveils 'Gyrä' Vibrating Grinding Pad

Nobü has introduced the new Gyrä vibrating grinding pad.

Orion Introduces New 3-Motor Vibrator From 'Sweet Smile' Line

Orion Wholesale has debuted the new three-motor RC G- & P-Spot Vibrator from its Sweet Smile line.

C1R Debuts 'Vers' Suction Dildo, Butt Plug

C1R has introduced its new Vers liquid silicone suction dildo and butt plug.

FSC, Co-Plaintiffs to Ask US Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Texas Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its co-plaintiffs in the challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law have petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to stay its recent decision upholding the law, because they intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law’s constitutionality.

Blush Erotica, The Kinky Candle Company Partner for Branded Candle

Blush Erotica has partnered with The Kinky Candle Company for an official branded candle.

Show More