AUGUSTA, Georgia — A bill being introduced for the upcoming legislative session seeks to regulate adult entertainment businesses through licensing and tighter zoning rules.

Rep. Ross Paradis is sponsoring a bill mandate the licensing of “adult use” business owners and impose basic minimum zoning requirements.

The Frenchville Democrat says the proposal would protect children and families from what he calls negative secondary effects associated with the opening of adult entertainment businesses.

Paradis’ bill would cover sexually oriented businesses including adult amusement and video stores, adult book and novelty stores, adult movie theaters, nightclubs, bars and establishments featuring strippers, erotic dancers and escorts.

Paradis says a state law would lift the burden from towns and cities to regulate sexually oriented businesses.