Sex Toy Store Zoning Battle Heads to Federal Court

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Taboo, one of Columbia's last adult retailers, remains open as its operators and the city prepare for a legal battle in federal court.

Both sides will meet next Friday at 9:30 a.m., in U.S. District Court in Columbia, to hash out the squabble over the city's zoning laws.

Shortly after Taboo opened in December of 2011, city dramatically limited where adult businesses can operate.

Taboo was grandfathered in for two years; but after losing a recent appeal to extend its license, Taboo’s owner Jeff White is being forced to close up shop and send his four employees packing.

The lawsuit alleges that the City of Columbia “has engaged in a series of shifting, arbitrary, and dilatory tactics to prevent vesting of the business license because the city objects to the plaintiff’s use of the property to sell lawful adult material even though such material is protected by the First Amendment,” the Free-Times reported. 

The city maintains there are plenty of options for Taboo’s relocation within the city limits. An affidavit lists 42 addresses where a sexually oriented business could legally locate in Columbia.

View lawsuit

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Williams Trading Co. Launches Pre-Black Friday Warehouse Sale

Williams Trading has launched its pre-Black Friday warehouse sale for retailers today.

Orion Unveils 6 New Styles From 'Noir Handmade' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced six new clubwear styles from its Noir Handmade line of apparel.

BasisDx Adds Comfort Collect Device to 'Pro13' Home Testing Kit

PASS-certified home testing kit manufacturer BasisDx has added the new Comfort Collecting Device to its Pro13 kit.

XBIZ Honors Retail Edition to Light Up Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pleasure industry’s biggest night, the retail edition of the annual XBIZ Honors, set for Saturday, Jan. 18, will be held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Pipedream Expands 'Anal Fantasy Elite' Collection

Pipedream Products has expanded its Anal Fantasy Elite collection with two new stimulators.

Orion Expands 'Couples Choice' Line With New '2 in 1' Vibe

Orion Wholesale has added the 2 in 1 Vibrator + Butt Plug to its Couples Choice collection of pleasure products.

Lovense Unveils 'Mission 2' Long Distance Vibe

Lovense has introduced the new Mission 2 vibrating suction cup dildo to its long-distance collection.

Male Power Debuts 'Pack & Play' Collection

Male Power has introduced its new Pack & Play collection of men's underwear.

Orion Debuts New Styles From Cottelli Lingerie

Orion Wholesale is now shipping new styles from its Cottelli Curves plus-size lingerie line.

Sportsheets Unveils Rebranded 'Edge' Line, 9 New Products

Sportsheets has debuted its reimagined Edge line featuring nine new products.

Show More