LANCASTER : Strict Rules OKd on Sex-Oriented Stores

Despite threats of lawsuits, the Lancaster City Council gave final approval Monday night to one of the state’s toughest ordinances on sexually oriented businesses, a law that also outlaws the sale of sexual devices.

The measure, approved on a 5-0 vote, takes effect Sept. 3.

But representatives of sexually oriented businesses and sex device makers have vowed to challenge the measure in court, calling it blatantly unconstitutional.

Under the measure, sexually oriented businesses could be located only in two small industrial areas of the city and would face other restrictions. However, the measure is basically preventive because the city has no full-fledged sex materials store.

Meanwhile, the council also delayed for two weeks a final vote on another law to require conditional use permits for new mini-marts, liquor stores and nightclubs, restrictions aimed at preventing the proliferation of liquor outlets. However, that measure would not affect new supermarkets, drugstores or restaurants that sell alcohol.