New Ohio Bill Would Set Adult Bookstore Curfew

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would force adult bookstores and other adult businesses to close at midnight. The bill passed by a 24-8 vote.

The bill would require adult book and video stores to close between midnight and 6 a.m. A violator could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

1st Amendment lawyer Lawrence Walters, of Weston, Garrou, DeWitt and Walters of Orlando, Fla., told XBIZ that states are now taking more of an interest in adult entertainment regulation, a responsibility that used to be taken by local governments.

"These laws are passed under the theory that adult businesses create some sort of so-called 'adverse secondary effects' like decreased property values, or increases in crime, prostitution, lewdness, traffic problems, garbage around the area," Walters said.

"It would be illegal if the government passed a law based on the substance of the entertainment provided by these businesses. That would be a primary effect," he added.

The "Community Defense Act" was presented through Ohio's initiated-statute petition process. Citizens for Community Values, a conservative, Cincinnati-based group, led the petition drive.

The next step for the bill is a vote in the Ohio House of Representatives, which is expected to happen before a four-month deadline expires on May 2. Backers of the bill have said they would take the measure directly to voters if lawmakers do not schedule a vote.

CCV spokesman Bruce Sheets said the organization is not trying to put adult establishments out of business, but courts have recognized the right of government to regulate them because of the potential for such social ills as prostitution, drug use and blighted properties.

"They do have a right to exist, but they can be regulated more stringently than any other enterprise," Sheets said.

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

ProDx Health Introduces 'Assured MoFi ID' Testing Program

ProDx Health has introduced its new Assured MoFi ID Program for testing.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

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.

Eye of Love Expands 'Bloom' Collection

Eye of Love has introduced two new perfume oils from its Bloom collection.

Nobü Adds to 'Essentials' Collection

Nobü is expanding its Essentials collection with three new pleasure products.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Like a Kitten to Release 'Adventure Collection'

Pleasure brand Like a Kitten has announced that it will debut its new Adventure Collection on July 15.

Full Circle Debuts New Bullet Vibes

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced a new range of bullet vibrators.

Magic Silk Debuts 'Butterfly Fantasies' Collection

Magic Silk has introduced its new Butterfly Fantasies line of intimate wear.

Orion Debuts 'Vipepad' Ride-On Vibrator

Orion Wholesale has introduced the latest edition of its Vibepad ride-on vibrator.

Xgen's Dr. Mindy DeSeta Spotlighted on CBS News

CBS News has spotlighted Xgen Products resident sex therapist Dr. Mindy DeSeta on its Miami and West Palm Beach affiliate stations.

Show More