Adults-only Plan Would Put Limits on Spencer's Gifts

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Condoms, sex toys and adult-themed novelties have some shoppers steaming at the suburban Maine Mall.

The complainants are targeting the local Spencer’s Gifts, which sells sex toys along with T-shirts, candles, Deep Throat shot glasses and the Carmen Electra Professional Pole Dance Kit.

The Maine Mall has more than 140 tenants, including the anchors Filene's and Macy's.

After hearing complaints, including a South Portlander who said he was offended after he stumbled upon the store's selection of sex-related products, the City Council is weighing whether it should alter its ordinances.

Following months of talks involving police, city officials and lawyers for Spencer’s Gifts, the city has decided on a plan.

City leaders are proposing to narrow the city's definition of adult business and require businesses like Spencer's Gifts to alert parents about possible sex toys and novelties at the back of the store.

South Portland’s plan also would change the definition of an adult amusement store,from one that stocks or sells a "substantial or significant" number of "sexual devices," to one that counts sex toys as more than 10 percent of its stock or sales.

For Spencer’s Gifts, that amounts to a prohibition of anyone younger than 18 from entering the store. And the change would make Spencer’s Gifts the only business in the city subject to an adult business license.

Spencer’s Gifts counsel, however, contends the company is being targeted at a time when pharmacies and supermarkets stock condoms and lubricants in plain view of customers.

They also questioned whether, under the city's current guidelines, many other retailers would need adult business licenses.

"Many mainstream retailers are carrying these products," said Kevin Mahoney, attorney for New Jersey-based Spencers Gifts.

City Council will discuss the issue again, as early as Monday, before scheduling a vote.

Related:  

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

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Orion Debuts 'Gyro' Stroker From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the You2Toys Gyro stroker.

Share Satisfaction Debuts 'Evolve Penis Pump' Collection

Wellness brand Share Satisfaction has introduced its new Evolve Penis Pump line.

ULoversDoll Debuts 'Isabella' Love Doll

ULoversDoll has added Isabella to its Top-Cydoll collection.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Motorbunny Launches Direct Wholesale Program

Motorbunny has launched a direct wholesale program for brick-and-mortar retailers and ecommerce sites.

Biird Introduces 'Together' Intimacy Card Game

Biird has debuted its new card game, Together, designed to promote intimacy in couples.

Show More