Court Upholds Utah City’s Regulation of Adult Shops

DENVER (CN) - An ordinance in Roy City, Utah, regulating sexually oriented businesses does not violate the First Amendment, the 10th Circuit ruled.

Doctor John's sells adult products in Roy City. After the store opened, the city passed an ordinance to prevent negative side effects of such businesses.

Judge Kelly agreed with the trial court that Doctor John's did not present evidence that cast doubt on the city's rationale that the ordinance was narrowly tailored to serve a government purpose.

"We acknowledge that the distinction between off-site and on-site adult businesses may be relevant," Kelly wrote, "but Doctor John's has produced absolutely no evidence relevant to this distinction."

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