OKC sets hearing on sex shop rule

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to conduct a public hearing on a measure to rescind restrictions on locating sex shops near schools, churches, libraries and homes.

The measure would have no effect on enforcement of a state statute imposing similar restrictions.

The city’s ordinance prohibits “adult novelty shops” within 1,000 feet of residences and places that could be frequented by children, including playgrounds, schools and libraries.

Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid proposed repealing the ordinance after a new business in his ward, Adam & Eve, was notified it had opened too close to homes.

The public hearing will be Feb. 27 during the regularly scheduled council meeting.

Adam & Eve is a trendy, upscale franchise selling products for adults.

Andrew Ryerson-Gonzalez and Lennox Ryerson-Gonzalez opened their shop Nov. 17 at 2905 NW 70 Street.

A code enforcement officer issued a “notice of violation” Nov. 27 requiring the business to come into compliance with the ordinance.

The businessmen so far have not received a citation that would require them to appear in Municipal Court.

They came to the city council Dec. 19 to say they felt they were being unfairly singled out. They noted a similar business operates just down May Avenue from their shop.

City officials said they were responding to a complaint about Adam & Eve.

After the public hearing, a final vote on repeal would be March 13.

The council voted 5-3 to schedule the public hearing. There was no debate.

Ward 3 Councilman

Larry McAtee, Ward 5 Councilman David Greenwell and Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher voted ‘no.’ Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer was absent.

Shadid said in December

that the ordinance seemed outdated and asked whether it was the “language we are seriously going to use” with business owners who are trying to generate sales tax.