COLUMBUS, Ohio — Adult entertainment clubs all across the state may have to end their business day much earlier if a bill in front of the Ohio senate this week passes.
NBC 4 reported that the bill has already passed the Ohio House and is expected to make it to the Senate floor this week. It passed the house by a margin of 92-5.
It would put new statewide restrictions on adult clubs. For example, performers would have to be on a stage at least 2 feet above patrons, and patrons would have to stay at least 6 feet away. Adult clubs would only be able to open their doors from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Opponents of the bill said that is an impingement on basic freedoms, while supporters of the bill said the ability of cities to restrict these clubs has not offered enough control.
“That’s not good enough,” said Phil Burress of Citizens for Community Values. “What we’re finding is the fact that the smaller communities and even some of the cities just do not have the resources to fight this in court.”
“People need to be open as long as they want to be open,” said Jim Everett of the Buckeye Association of Club Executives. “There are enough regulations in this state already, limiting what people can do, and I think we’ve had it. And most of the citizens of Ohio have had it.”
The bill will be in front of a senate committee on Tuesday and could be up for a vote by the full Senate on Wednesday.
