North Carolina- [Rocky Mountain Telegram]- Tarboro planning officials will review a proposed ordinance that would restrict the sale of pornography based on a store’s proximity to schools, day care centers and residences.

Town officials, responding to public outcry over a new adult book store planned for Tarboro’s historic district, crafted the ordinance last week to keep porn shops from opening downtown.

The Majestic Adult Center was scheduled to open in the former Majestic Theatre within the next few months. However, if the town council approves the ordinance, the store may not open at all.

“I’m not sure if he’ll still open the store if this is passed,” Planning Director Troy Lewis said of Ronnie Wiggins, owner of the would-be adult store.

If passed by the council, the ordinance will allow 12 months for the Majestic Adult Center to comply with the restrictions. The statute would bar adult establishments from being within 1,000 feet of residential property, day cares, parks, playgrounds, schools, libraries and churches.

Located at 214 Main St., the Majestic Adult Center would be in violation of a few of the proximity restrictions.

Outside advertising also would be limited to one sign that contains nothing more than the name of the business. White block letters recently hung in the old theater windows that read “DVDs” and “Toys” would not be allowed.

Officials will review the proposal today and are expected to approve it for a March 10 public hearing.

“Given the restrictions, I don’t know if Mr. Wiggins will still want to open,” Lewis said. “I know he wasn’t happy about all this, though.”

Wiggins, who initially told planners he intended to open a “book store,” has not returned several Telegram phone calls during the past week.