(Spirit Lake)– With little discussion and no comment from the public, the Spirit Lake city council Tuesday unanimously adopted an ordinance that places restrictions on sexually oriented businesses in the city.
The action was taken during a special session of the council.
Among other things, the ordinance requires sexually oriented businesses to obtain a license from the city; employees of such establishments also have to be licensed through the city.
Nudity or semi-nudity at such establishments is not allowed, and the sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages in such establishments isn’t allowed.
The city also can suspend a license for any violation outlined by the ordinance. Likewise, the city can revoke the license of any business that’s had a suspension in the preceding 12 months.
Such businesses are also subject to random inspections by police, health, zoning and fire departments and other city departments or agencies.
The council voted unanimously last evening to waive the first and second readings and voted to accept the ordinance…a process that usually takes weeks to complete.
Asked about the hurried nature to get the ordinance passed and if there was something that prompted it, council members responded by only saying there was a need. However, KUOO news has learned a downtown bar was promoting an upcoming event featuring nude dancers.
