MASON CITY — Several North Iowa cities have moved to regulate sexually oriented businesses over the past year — most for no reason other than “to be prepared,” said Alan Kemp, executive director of the Iowa League of Cities.
“Many cities have realized that by the time they have a business that wants to open, it’s almost too late” to place regulatory safeguards, said Kemp.
Kemp said he has not seen any appreciable increase in adult entertainment businesses in the state — from strip clubs to adult bookstores. Cities, he added, are cautious when it comes to such establishments.
“If there is a particular situation in one community, or even the rumor of a business coming, that might trigger a city looking at creating an ordinance,” he said.
The Hampton and Garner City Councils have moved to adopt ordinances in recent months; Clear Lake adopted its ordinance less than a year ago, said City Administrator Scott Flory.
Clear Lake officials have already seen their new law tested. In June, a bar owner opted to have a wet T-shirt contest. City officials said it was in violation of its ordinance and that Alan Slater, owner of The Marina, was operating without a license, required by the ordinance....read more
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