With the adult entertainment industry likely to face more rounds of "long and expensive" legal fights in the wake of Erie v. PAPs, there should be a national, "team-wide" approach in fighting off unproven "secondary effects" arguments, says the National Cabaret Association.
"In the past, the weapon that's been used against us most is the 'negative secondary effects' report, while our main weapon has been the lawsuit," said NCA lobbyist Michael Ross. "(W)e've been urging the country to... be proactive and fight back by lobbying against the ordinance/proposal before it's enacted and a court fight is necessary."
Erie v. PAPs opened up another avenue, creating local "positive reports," Ross continued. "We believe that if you want to produce an effective report, use common legal strategy and consumer purchasing guidelines to help guide your purchase, create the report and then evaluate what you have purchased."
But he added that any such report, critically, should include well-enough documented "debunking" of the "crime link myths" and refuting "the concept of (adult entertainment) negatively impacting" property values, another frequently-effective argument in favor of restrictive local laws.
"Specifically, the material (in the reports) must relate to questions, concerns and problems that the local government is accusing you of, so when you request information, make sure you request that they provide you with exact information about 'so called criminal activity' at your location, including the number of prostitution or sexual assaults, as well as burglaries and drugs," he said. Then, compare them to similar statistics from other high-profile businesses in the area.
The adult industry has to show crime "happens in a city, not just in our clubs," Ross said, "and to blame us by passing restrictive zoning is a fallacy."
Meanwhile, the NCA plans a round of national conference calls beginning May 8, aimed "at helping the nation organize and fight back as a team," Ross said. It'll be a series of 25-minute conference calls on Erie V. PAPs organizing and lobbying efforts.
The conference call schedule is New York, New Jersey, and New England states on May 8 at 2 p.m. EDT; Southern states, May 9, 12 noon PDT; the Great Lakes states, May 10, 1 p.m. PDT; Midwestern states, May 11, 12 noon CDT; and, the West Coast, May 12, 9 a.m. PDT.
"The project's beauty is that everyone can participate and talk to us, from wherever they are, at any scheduled time over five days," Ross continued. "We hope that people will call whenever their section of the country is called."
But they're available by way of a special RSVP service aimed at sharing expenses. To use it - or to call in at your own convenience - call (916) 923-2215; or, fax (916) 923-2216.
