Sex Toy Store Zoning Battle Heads to Federal Court

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Taboo, one of Columbia's last adult retailers, remains open as its operators and the city prepare for a legal battle in federal court.

Both sides will meet next Friday at 9:30 a.m., in U.S. District Court in Columbia, to hash out the squabble over the city's zoning laws.

Shortly after Taboo opened in December of 2011, city dramatically limited where adult businesses can operate.

Taboo was grandfathered in for two years; but after losing a recent appeal to extend its license, Taboo’s owner Jeff White is being forced to close up shop and send his four employees packing.

The lawsuit alleges that the City of Columbia “has engaged in a series of shifting, arbitrary, and dilatory tactics to prevent vesting of the business license because the city objects to the plaintiff’s use of the property to sell lawful adult material even though such material is protected by the First Amendment,” the Free-Times reported. 

The city maintains there are plenty of options for Taboo’s relocation within the city limits. An affidavit lists 42 addresses where a sexually oriented business could legally locate in Columbia.

View lawsuit

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

Onahole Debuts New 'Brain Hacker DX' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Brain Hacker DX stroker.

Fanreal Debuts 'Real Skin Texture' Love Doll

Pleasure brand Fanreal has introduced its proprietary silicone Real Skin Texture love doll.

Full Circle Expands 'Savage Me Dream Girl Doll' Line

Full Circle has introduced Alyssa, Carla, and Nadia from its Savage Me Dream Girl Doll collection.

Dame Launches 'Green Dildo Coin' Campaign

Sexual wellness brand Dame has partnered with creative agency Stereo Creative to launch its Green Dildo Coin campaign.

Lovehoney Group, Beacon Wellness Settle Canadian Patent Dispute

Lovehoney Group and Beacon Wellness have settled a patent dispute over the latter's sale of a product called the Air Pulsing Arouser in Canada.

Uncover Creations, Sinnovator Sign Distro Deal With Eagle Leather

Pleasure brands Uncover Creations and Sinnovator have inked a distribution deal with Eagle Leather for Australian distribution.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Alpha Male' Test

ProDx Health has introduced its new Alpha Male Home Collection Kit.

Alex Fine Details Her Journey as Dame CEO, Pleasure Activist

Alex Fine’s venture into the world of sextech began with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Her original goal was to become a sex therapist, but in 2014, she recognized a much broader opportunity.

Le Wand Introduces 'Dual Stimulation' Vibe Collection

Le Wand has debuted its new Dual Stimulation vibrator line.

Sportsheets Expands 'Peaches 'N CreaMe' BDSM Collection

Sportsheets has introduced 13 new items from its Peaches ‘N CreaMe collection of BDSM products.

Show More