PRESCOTT, Arizona – [www.dcourier.com]- When the Granite Dells Adult Boutique in Prescott closes its doors for the last time, it may not be the end of an “era” by definition, but it will be the end of an era for the store’s owners and customers.
“Why should we fight it anymore?” Paul Morgan, who owns the business with his wife Jeannie, said on Tuesday. “It’s over. We’re closing. No appeal.”
The Morgans slashed prices and are selling out.
On March 18, a jury of Morgan’s Yavapai County peers decided that the business, 2685 E. Old Highway 89A, violated the county’s 1999 ordinance prohibiting sex-oriented businesses (see dCourier.com, “Jury finds adult boutique not ‘grandfathered.'”)
The Morgans said in court records that their business is legal because it is “grandfathered” into compliance. Yavapai County Development Services disagreed and sued the Morgans.
“It’s sad to see it go,” Melanie (who declined to give her last name) said while buying something with a friend. “We’ve been coming here since it opened.”
“You can buy a lot of the same stuff that we sell in stores all around here,” said Dan Morgan, Paul’s son and store manager.
Paul said that he started selling adult merchandise as a side-business from his home in the 1980s. He remodeled that same home into the adult boutique after he started selling merchandise full-time.
Dan grew up in the house before Paul turned it into an adult business. Dan is restoring the store as his home.
Tuesday afternoon, customers of varying ages and genders came to the store. Dan and Paul called many of them by first name.
“It’s a darn shame you’re closing,” one man said after greeting Paul.
Inside the store, Fox News broadcast from a small television. Aisles of merchandise resemble a small convenience store. Signs warn customers that “Closed Circuit Television” cameras are watching them, and that the Morgans have a “No Refunds or Exchanges” policy.
“You have to be 18 years old to get in, and I card everyone,” Dan said, adding that the most trouble he had during his years managing the boutique was when he “shot two drunks with Mace.”
“You would not believe the great people we have met here,” Paul said. Some of those great people, he said, include sheriff’s deputies, city police and officials, and people in government.
“We have nice little old ladies to men in expensive suits to grocers. People from every walk of life come here,” he added.
The Pinion Pines bar and grill is within shouting distance of the adult business.
“Who are we going to offend out here,” Tom said. “There’s a topless bar right next door.”
A banner hanging above the entrance to the Pinion Pines advertises “Exotic Dancers every Friday night.”
“I hate getting screwed,” Paul said referring to the county’s lawsuit. “Beware everyone who owns a business – it can happen to you.”
Dan said he would start “looking for a regular job” after he finishes the building’s remodel.
“I’ve got a lot of good, fond memories of this place,” he said. “How often can you be in business with your dad?”
“It’s very sad,” Ken (who declined to give his last name) said while seated at the Pinion Pines bar. “I’ve gone in there out of curiosity, and I’ve never seen any misconduct going on.”