There’s trouble in Crystal City…

Missouri- Mayor Tom Schilly of Crystal City is trying to close the door on the prospect of an adult book and video store in his Jefferson County city.

Last month, Schilly denied an application for a business license and now has rejected an appeal challenging that denial.

Schilly issued his denial in a brief letter to Don Kleinhans, owner of the Pure Pleasure Megacenter. Schilly denied the application on grounds that lighting at the planned adult store was inadequate and the store lacked an approved floor plan.

Grant Shostak, an attorney for Kleinhans, said the license denial would be appealed to the full Crystal City Council. He contends that Kleinhans had complied with city ordinances and should be allowed to open the bookstore.

Several religious and civic leaders in Crystal City have spoken out against the planned bookstore, saying it would sell pornographic material and could attract a criminal element.

But Kleinhans said his other Pure Pleasure stores in St. Louis, Louisville, Ky., and three locations in Florida had operated within the law and had been good neighbors in those communities.