Phoenix Stores Made to Close Early.

By the time you get to Phoenix, it better be before 1 a.m. Any later than that and there will be no point looking for an adult business that is still open. \n Maricopa County officials said they plan to start immediate enforcement of a new state law that requires adult business to lock their doors at 1 a.m. and to stay locked until 8 a.m. On Sundays, the businesses can't open until noon. \n Several of the affected businesses have gone to court for a restraining order to stop enforcement of the law while it is being challenged on constitutional grounds. The businesses, including theaters and bookstores and clubs, are represented by John Weston, a lawyer with the Center for Fair Public Policy. \n Weston said the law violates freedom of speech because there is no legal justification for restricting expressive activity at a certain time. He thinks the law was pushed by people who simply do not like adult businesses. \n Two lawsuits have been filed in federal district court in Phoenix and a ruling on a request for a restraining order was to be issued shortly. If a restraining order is not issued this week, the city plans to enforce the law, a lawyer for the city said. \n Meanwhile, a Phoenix City Council subcommittee is recommending changes in the ordinance that relates to sexually oriented businesses. The changes would require regular background checks for employees but do not, at least so far, incorporate the state closing time into city law. The revisions are to be brought for approval to the entire city council.