City Strengthens Adult Business Rules
City officials took swift action this week to update regulation of sexually oriented business in response to a lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of municipal laws.
In a December lawsuit filed in federal court, San Diego-based 707070 Co. alleged that Costa Mesa’s 1994 adult business regulations are too strict, City Atty. Tom Kathe said. The company expressed interested in opening an adult club but later withdrew the lawsuit without formally applying for an operating license, Kathe said.
Nonetheless, the City Council voted to update laws governing cabarets, adult bookstores and theaters in case the ordinance is challenged again. The council approved a temporary law that expires in 40 days. The Planning Commission will soon hold public hearings to craft permanent regulations.
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