CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time officially since 1985 Clay County no longer has a ban on adult entertainment after it was deemed unconstitutional.
“The ban is now repealed,” said County Attorney Michael Kahn.
Kahn said while Tuesday’s decision lifts the ban, it also puts restrictions in place that adult entertainment facilities must follow.
There can be no public nudity. There are regulations on prohibiting minors, how the businesses advertise and their hours of operations. The facilities also cannot serve alcohol.
There is also a location ordinance basically establishing where facilities can set up shop in the county. They must be 2,500 feet from schools and 500 feet from religious institutions.
At least eight people spoke in front of the commission, including Commissioner Wendell Davis.
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“Advice from experts lends itself to be the best way to control the adverse effects that come from those businesses and control the growth of Clay County,” Davis said.
Seven speakers pleaded for the three commissioners present to reconsider.
Sex Toys of Clay County owner James Otto was the only person Action News saw who spoke for the repeal.
“They haven’t shut me down in two years, it doesn’t matter if the ban is here or not,” Otto said.
“We’re very disappointed with the way this comes out but it’s expected. We’re doing to deal,” said John Cogdill, who opposes the repeal.
Many county officials called this decision a preemptive move to protect against what they’re calling secondary effects of the ban, such as crime and health safety concerns.