City officials say they are still unsure about what to do about an adult store that they say is in violation of the city's zoning law.
Chris Shofner, a spokesman for Murfreesboro, said the city is still studying its options and possible legal ramifications of taking action against the 21 Up Movies & More, citing possible First Amendment issues, the Daily News Journal reported.
The store opened last month at 2209 N.W. Broad St. where it was served with a letter from the city's Building & Code Department that its certificate of occupancy would not be issued because of the zoning code violation. The city is located just outside Nashville.
Store owner R.V. Bohannon is already suing Knoxville over a measure that regulates adult businesses there.
According to a city document, the store’s location is zoned for Commercial Highway which bars any adult establishment from operating there. Documents also showed that the store was inspected by the city on Oct. 16 and it was determined that it was adult business because most of its merchandise was dedicated to adult videos, magazines and other sexually-related items.
Shofner said that the city could fine the store $50 per day for the violation, but it had not done so yet. He added that any other penalty would have to be decided through the courts.
The newly-opened store is the only adult business in the city.
