Local News in Brief : Planning Commission Tables Bernson Anti-Porn Proposal

Aproposal that would require existing adult entertainment businesses to move away from residential areas, schools and churches was tabled Thursday by the Los Angeles City Planning Commission.

The proposal by City Councilman Hal Bernson, who represents the northern Valley, would force massage parlors, adult bookstores, X-rated theaters and other establishments to move more than 500 feet away from homes, schools and religious establishments.

Commissioners postponed action on the proposal and instructed the Planning Department staff to research the matter further. Commissioners said they would reconsider the issue in 45 days if presented with more information concerning the effect such businesses have on neighborhood crime.

The City Council in 1982 adopted an ordinance by Bernson that forced new adult entertainment businesses to observe the 500-foot buffer. Because of legal questions at the time, however, the measure was not made retroactive to apply to existing businesses.

The new proposal would give businesses two years to move outside the 500-foot zone.