Kentucky Blocks Hustler Store

LEXINGTON, Kentucky – The Urban City Council threw a wrench in Larry Flynt Publications' (LFP) plan to build a Hustler retail store along the interstate interchange where current zoning laws allow adult establishments like video stores, adult bookstores, and strip clubs to conduct business.

The city council reportedly has no problem with adult retail stores so long as they are contained within a specific area near Interstate 75, at least until Jimmy Flynt, brother of Larry Flynt, came to town.

Flynt had originally proposed a Hustler retail store that would feature the usual array of adult toys, videos, and periodicals, in addition to an adult-themed cabaret with a non-alcoholic juice bar.

Making its distaste clearly known for Flynt's plans, the city council swiftly approved a moratorium on the establishment of any new adult outlets near interstate interchanges, a gesture Jimmy Flynt found difficult not to take personally.

Flynt and his lawyers were equally swift in filing an appeal based on the unconstitutionality of the council's decision.

"They are denying us a permit to open at that location," Flynt told XBiz. "They are trying to block us in any way they can from opening a Hustler. The area has been zoned for adult and they are trying to change that because of Hustler. Their persecution is somewhat selective. Any time Hustler comes to town it sends up a red flag."

In addition to blocking the Hustler outlet from being built in the area where other adult outlets are stationed, the city council has also urged the Lexington planning commission to create a zoning amendment that would permanently prohibit any new adult stores from opening along interstates, the Herald-Leader reported Wednesday.

Several local politicians are concerned that too many adult stores along the highway and the billboards that typically stand on display will give the impression that Lexington is an adult entertainment hub.

The council has tried to convey that they are not trying to prohibit adult entertainment businesses from setting up shop in that area, only the ones that have proposed the placement of billboards along the highway.

According to the Herald-Leader, the moratorium could last for an entire year, although it is still pending two council readings before it is approved. The second reading is expected on Jan. 22.

"You usually have one or two politicians in a particular city that try to make political hay out of something like this," Flynt told XBiz. "Eventually, when they see that they don't have that support in the community as a whole, they have a tendency to back off. Some cities are just harder than others."

Flynt has so far established Hustler retail stores in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

LFP is still planning a retail rollout in San Francisco, Baltimore, New York, and St. Louis.

Larry Flynt was arrested for obscenity in Cincinnati in 1999. He avoided a trial and possible jail term by agreeing to a plea bargain deal with prosecutors. According to reports, the prosecution dropped 13 other charges stemming from the illegal sale in 1997 of an explicit video to a 14-year-old boy.

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

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, the latest edition of Europe’s biggest adult industry conference, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel in Amsterdam.

Sara Jay, Dan Leal to Sponsor XBIZ Amsterdam Kick-Off Event

Sara Jay’s Wyde Syde Productions and Porno Dan Leal’s Market64 will co-sponsor the Bottoms Up Day Drinking kick-off event for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 at Excalibur Café on Sept. 2, from 2-4 p.m. (CET).

Show More