FRANKFORT — Opponents decry a bill that would impose new restrictions on “adult-use” businesses. anti drug” passed the Kentucky Senate 32-6 on Wednesday.
The bill may now be debated in the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 147 Prohibits locating “adult-use” businesses within 933 feet of a child care facility, children's playground, school, park, recreation facility, or place of worship. The law defines an “adult business” as “an adult arcade, an adult book or video store, an adult cabaret, an adult theater, or any establishment that regularly holds performances involving sexual acts.” Masu.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (R-Smithfield) said on the floor that these businesses are causing a “total erosion of the community.”
“Adult businesses have a variety of negative impacts, including increased crime, human trafficking, prostitution, obscenity, indecent exposure, vulgarity, deterioration of public order, lewdness, drug abuse, and the negative effects of human trafficking from surrounding land and buildings. . Their values, sexual assault, human trafficking, exploitation, etc.,” she said.
The bill originally required companies in violation to relocate within the expiration of their leases or five years after enactment.House amendment bill approved remove that requirement. Businesses that violate the bill's rules, including accepting or employing minors, would not be able to renew their business or liquor licenses and could receive a cease-and-desist letter.
Another floor amendment would remove the word “drag” from the definition of adult cabaret, which includes the phrase “an establishment that hosts sexually explicit drag performances or any performance involving sexual activity.”
“Most of us,” said Sen. David Yates (D-Louisville), “want to ensure that sexually explicit content and activity is kept away from minor children.” .
But Yates, who voted against the bill, said he was concerned that the bill “may have free speech issues” and is “unconstitutional.”
