Adult Bookstore Told to Reduce Booths’ Privacy

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office obtained a temporary restraining order Tuesday against a Reseda adult bookstore where police have made more than 50 sex-related arrests in the past 10 months.

The order, granted by Van Nuys Superior Court Commissioner David R. Nisall, requires Joe’s II Adult Bookstore, at 7028 Reseda Blvd., to reduce the privacy of booths where sex films are shown.

Most of those arrested were men observed masturbating in the booths, said Police Sgt. George D. Thomas.

The restraining order requires more lighting and either closed-circuit television cameras or the removal of partitions separating the booths. Currently, passers-by can see into the booths by means of mirrors.

The order also requires the store to clean the booths daily, post signs warning that lewd conduct can lead to arrest and hire a uniformed security guard to patrol the area.

Store May Close

Irwin N. Mark, 44, of West Los Angeles, co-owner of the bookstore, shut down the film booths shortly after the hearing and said he might close the store because of the expense of the store’s legal battles.

Nisall scheduled an Oct. 25 hearing on a preliminary injunction.

Undercover police officers said those watching the films have solicited them for sex acts, Deputy City Atty. Henry A. Burr said.

Signs in the store warn that unprotected oral or anal sex can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome and that “Masturbation in a public place is against the law.” On the wall is a cartoon of a police officer seated at a desk marked “vice.” The caption underneath reads, “If it feels good, bust ‘em for it.”

“We enforce the laws,” said Los Angeles Police Capt. John L. Higgins, commander of the West Valley Division. In the eyes of the law, “what’s the difference between a booth in a bookstore and a dressing room at Nordstrom’s?” he asked.