Nashville Adult Bookstore Closed Over 'Lewd Acts'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Police officers padlocked the House of Thrills adult bookstore Tuesday by court order after a nine-month investigation into sex acts on the premises.

Nashville attorney John Herbison, who represents the building's owner, told XBIZ that the operators of the House of Thrills business agreed to close down, with a consent decree prohibiting their future operation of the business.

"They threw in the towel," Herbison said.

On Tuesday, Judge Mark Fishburn temporarily granted the city's request to shut down the adult business where police said unprotected sex acts have been taking place for the past year. Five undercover detectives filed affidavits that they observed publicly lewd and unsafe sexual acts involving 55 patrons of the store.

"We're not policing morality," Metro police Sgt. Tony Blackburn said. "But we'll be looking at any public business that allows acts like this."

About 80 arrests have been made at House of Thrills since October for various sexual offenses. Herbison said that the complaints involved "acts of sexual conduct, primarily acts of masturbation, occurring in the video arcade booth area."

Herbison is looking toward a June 9 hearing on the future use of the building. "The government is seeking not only an order of abatement of the alleged nuisance, they are seeking for that order to include a provision that no adult entertainment business be operated in the future at that location. I am resisting that, for a couple of reasons. ... It is not a punitive measure, it is [to prohibit] continuation of the nuisance activity.

"Prohibition on future use of the building, especially of a future use that involves display or distribution of 1st Amendment-protected materials, goes beyond the scope of what the statute authorizes. The Tennessee appellate court has recognized that a prohibition on an adult entertainment business operating under nuisance statutes would be constitutionally suspect. The statute does not authorize what the government is doing. Even if it were authorized by statute, any such order would be unconstitutional. It's my contention that this is a pretext for prior restraint."

Copyright © 2025 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

We-Vibe Debuts 'Melt 2' Vibrator, Air Pulse Massager

We-Vibe has introduced its new Melt 2 vibrator/air pulse massager.

Full Circle Expands 'Savage Me' Line of Male Torsos

Full Circle has expanded its line of Savage Me male torsos.

Nalpac, Entrenue Sign Distro Deal With Like A Kitten

Nalpac/Entrenue has inked a deal to distribute Like A Kitten pleasure products.

XBIZ Retreat Reloads Amsterdam Edition, Set for Sept. 2-5

XBIZ Retreat is making its highly anticipated return to Amsterdam, set for Sept. 2–5 at the chic Park Centraal Hotel.

Fantasy Gifts NJ Unveils 'Shave Stix' With Product Launch Event

Sexual wellness retailer Fantasy Gifts NJ introduced its new Shave Stix during a special event at its Lumberton location on April 17.

Motorbunny Now Available on 'Throne' Gift Platform

Motorbunny pleasure products are now available on Throne gift platform.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Honey's Place Now Distributing Camtoyz

Honey's Place is now distributing Camtoyz pleasure products.

ToyChats Announces Reviewer Incentives

Recently launched pleasure product review site ToyChats has announced a giveaway program for reviewers.

Paradise Marketing Acquires CondomMan

Paradise Marketing has acquired distribution company CondomMan.

Show More