Ocean City, Maryland, Passes Sex Store Ban

OCEAN CITY, Md. — The Ocean City Council formalized a moratorium on business licenses issued to sexually explicit stores this week, according to a story in the Delmarva Daily Times. The moratorium comes after an adult boutique selling movies, sex toys and lingerie opened in the town a few weeks ago. There were no provisions in city law at the time that could have prevented the store from opening.

Blaine Smith, city zoning administrator, said the store's owners followed the routine procedures for a business license including passing inspections by the building inspector and the fire marshal.

The resolution specifically defines everything it regulates, from adult book stores and adult motels to nudity and specified sexual activities. In the resolution, a sexually oriented business is defined as "an adult arcade, adult book store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, semi-nude model studio or sexual encounter center." The businesses that are considered sexually oriented are further defined in the document.

"When you're dealing with 1st Amendment rights, the court looks for vagueness," City Solicitor Guy Ayres told the Daily News, explaining that restricting licensing of sexually oriented businesses would raise the question: "What is a sexually oriented business?"< p> On March 27, the Ocean City Council instructed the town licensing office not to issue any business licenses to sexually oriented stores. The council also requested the Planning and Zoning Commission develop zoning and business regulations that could be applied. "The feeling of the council was since they had remanded the issue to the town Planning and Zoning Commission for review to develop regulations to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community, it's a good idea to make sure no other stores of this type open prior to the regulations," Mayor Rick Meehan said.

The moratorium will expire in six months, or when regulations are developed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Two city officials are currently researching what zoning and business licensing regulations could be put into place. According to the resolution, restrictions will also apply to location and operation. Restrictions as to location would have to permit adult stores somewhere in the city since the stores are constitutionally protected.

A public hearing to consider possible regulations will be held May 1.

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

'Groove Thing' Sets Kickstarter Funding Record for Insertable Pleasure Product

Groove Thing, an insertable pleasure product that plays audio, has set a funding record on Kickstarter.

Nalpac/Entrenue, Ohdoki Sign Distro Deal for 'The Handy'

Nalpac/Entrenue has inked an exclusive U.S. distribution deal with Ohdoki Products for The Handy.

Onahole Debuts New 'Miss Boss Cup' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Miss Boss Cup stroker.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Trust 1' HPV Test

ProDx Health has introduced its new Trust 1 Home Collection Kit for HPV testing.

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

Show More