Residents and members of a local religious group argued loudly to the Tangipahoa Parish Council that a proposed adult store should not be allowed to open.
Members of the Christian Community Network and others joined in opposing plans to open an adult store here, The Advocate reported. The yet-unnamed store, which would be located just off the Interstate 55 service road, would sell adult videos, novelties and other sex-related items.
The Rev. Luis Husser, who heads the organization, said there were other ways besides changing zoning laws to get rid of what he called S.O.B.’s or sexually-oriented businesses.
He said the city could control hours and days such a business would be open and as well as conduct criminal background check on its employees and impose other rules until the business owner gets “tired of the restrictions and leaves.”
Attorney Mike Johnson who represented the Christian group Alliance Defense Fund, said he crafted an ordinance of more than 30 pages that regulates adult businesses such as strip clubs, adult video stores and novelty shops which were adopted in some form by several municipalities and other governments.
Parish President Gordon Burgess said the council would review the draft of the proposed ordinance and adapt it to fit local needs.
