5/27/2005
Media Contact:
Monica Brase, [317] 327-3690
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-6709 |
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City wins court decision to shut down illegal sex club on west side
Indianapolis – The City of Indianapolis has won a major victory in its effort to shut down an illegal sex club on the city's west side, Mayor Bart Peterson said today. A Marion County Superior court has ruled that the Reel One sex club must cease all operations by July 6.
"Our zoning laws exist for a reason: to protect families and children from being exposed to the negative effects that adult businesses can have on a community," said Mayor Peterson. "Illegal adult establishments like Reel One are a detriment to strong, healthy neighborhoods and simply will not be tolerated in Indianapolis."
Evidence from an investigation by the Indianapolis Police Department revealed that Reel One:
- was operating as an illegal sex club business, where live sex acts were regularly being viewed and performed; and
- was located within 500 feet of a residential area, which is prohibited under the city's zoning laws.
"We are pleased that the courts have ordered Reel One to shut their doors for good," said Peterson. "The city will continue to take action against adult businesses that refuse to comply with the law."
Neighborhoods have long expressed concerns about the negative impacts adult entertainment establishments have on nearby residences and businesses. Studies have shown that adult entertainment businesses often attract criminal activity – especially sex related crimes.
Peterson has made code enforcement and improving neighborhood quality of life a major priority for his administration. In 2001, the city closed down and eventually demolished the crime-ridden Citizen's Lodge Motel, and in 2002 the city shut down both Lynn's Lingerie stores, which were operating as illegal adult entertainment businesses. In 2003, the Mayor proposed an ordinance approved by the City-County Council that limited the hours of adult bookstores and set other restrictions on their operation. The city recently won a court decision to begin enforcing that ordinance.
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