A group of adult businesses have filed suit against the city of Charlotte, claiming that strict zoning laws do not allow them room to legally set up shop. Central Avenue Video and News is leading the charge, alleging the rules are too strict.
According to a recent report, adult businesses can set up shop in industrial, heavy commercial and center city areas, but they have to stay 1,500 feet from churches, schools and homes. The adult businesses claim that this stipulation leaves them nowhere to go.
Central Avenue Video and News is currently doing business at a location that breaks the zoning rules. In its case, the business is asking the city council to make an exception. The zoning board will discuss the case on Tuesday.
“If it's hard for them to do business here in Charlotte — good,” City Councilman Andy Dulin, told WSOC News.
The government can limit where adult-oriented businesses are allowed to locate, but completely banning them is a violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“The argument is whether our zoning allows enough locations to satisfy the requirement that we provide a reasonable opportunity,” Assistant City Attorney, Bob Hagemann, told WSOC. “We think we have."
The lawsuit will go to trial in November. If Central Avenue Video and News and the other adult businesses win, Charlotte may have to adjust its zoning rules.
