New Bern, North Carolina- Pure Bliss store owner Greg Sakas’ problems with the cities of New Bern and Wilmington, North Carolina continue into the new year. Going back to January 2007, Sakas’ stores in both cities have been the object of police raids although obscenity hasn’t been the issue.

It’s the question of whether Sakas’ stores pass the preponderance test, i.e. percentage of space given over to adult product. Sakas also had to challenge the police on the accusation that he was dealing in controlled substances which turned out to be video head cleaner.

Although the city of New Bern had signed off on the preponderance issue, originally, Sakas still had to take the matter to court to get both the city and the police off his back. Then while Sakas was going to court on that matter, police managed to stage a raid on his store in Wilmington, NC. All along Sakas has charged that the Christian Coalition has been behind the harassment of him and his stores.

In the meantime, Sakas vowed that he would sue the city of New Bern and is continuing with his case against them even though New Bern has offered a settlement.

“We’re starting to take depositions,” Sakas tells me, regarding the New Bern lawsuit.

“We’re moving forward with that and going all the way. I’m refusing to take offers. I’ve said no to them. I’d rather go all the way. If I lose I lose. I’m not bending over for them.”

Sakas said the first offer made by New Bern was a paltry one that didn’t even come to six figures.

“Ironically since we started taking pictures and camera footage, they have basically backed off. Even the Christian Coalition has backed off. In Wilmington we have 60 days to get out of the city. But I’m going after the city. I’m being picked out of the entire bunch of adult stores there. We want to know how they can justify not going after the other stores, and I’m going to push that.”

Sakas has also threatened to sue Wilmington.

“They are aware that I’m going to push forward with that,” he continues. “March 31st we either get shut down or will be fined on a daily basis.”