Unadilla, Georgia- Some people in the Dooly County city of Unadilla say they welcome new businesses, just not ones that sell sex.
City Administrator Ronnie Brand says some people in the community have been fighting to close the doors of an adult book store since its opening in late July.
Brand says he along with all of the city council members wish it never opened. In fact, they tried to stop it.
Brand says three days before “The Lion’s Den” opened, the city passed a moratorium stopping the adult bookstore from opening.
Just days later, Brand says a Federal judge struck down the moratorium allowing “The Lion’s Den” to open. It sits just off the Unadilla exit on Interstate 75.
Brand believes the owners chose the location because it’s along the interstate, and Unadilla did not have an ordinance to keep adult entertainment out.
RONNIE BRAND, CITY ADMINISTRATOR: ” I don’t want my children or grandchildren being able to go by and ask me what that is. It’s just a negative business for the city as far as I’m concerned.”
Brand says the city is now working on an ordinance to keep any more adult entertainment businesses from opening in the city. He says a group called “Citizens United” is helping out with that effort and trying to shut “The Lion’s Den” down.
Spokeswoman for the group, Lannie Hamsley, says “The Lions Den” does not fit with the community’s standards. She says the group contacted the American Family Association to assist them in their efforts to oust “The Lion’s Den” and to write an ordinance to keep all adult entertainment out of Unadilla.
According to the American Family Association’s website, their mission statement says, “We exist to motivate and equip citizens to change the culture to reflect biblical truth.” It goes on to say, “We believe in holding accountable the companies which sponsor programs attacking traditional values.” Eyewitness News tried to contact the AFA by phone, but their office was closed for the day. Eyewitness News also tried talked with employees at “The Lion’s Den.” They had no comment.
“The Lion’s Den” is a national chain with stores in 33 different locations, including one other in Georgia.