Recognizing that sales of some adult novelties are going mainstream, Woodstock is updating its ordinances to exempt certain retailers so they can avoid the stigma and regulation of being a “sexual device shop.”
“It’s come to our attention various retailers, such as pharmacies, are beginning to add these kinds of devices to their inventories,” said Brantley Day, director of community development for Woodstock. “Our attorney looked at the issue and came back with this ordinance.”
The City Council on Aug. 28 approved on first reading the amendment to its ordinance governing sexually oriented businesses. A second reading is expected Sept. 11.
To avoid the sex shop designation, a business must ensure sexual devices are displayed in less than 5 percent of store floor space, comprise less than 5 percent of sales and take up less than 5 percent of inventory. They cannot be visible from the outside the store and must be concealed in opaque packaging.
A sign, with big capital letters, must be posted at the store entrance: “WARNING: MATURE MATERIALS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN ARE CONTAINED WITHIN THIS STORE.” To ensure compliance, store management will have to provide records on request by city staff.
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