(a) The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the Village of Northfield through the regulation of adult entertainment businesses in the Village of Northfield. It is the intent of this chapter to regulate adult entertainment businesses, as defined herein, so as to prevent crime, protect the Municipality's retail trade and property values, and, in general, preserve the quality of life in the Municipality, while at the same time not suppressing First Amendment rights. Specifically, the provisions of this chapter have neither the purpose nor the effect of imposing a limitation or restriction on the content of any communicative materials, including adult entertainment. Similarly, it is not the intent nor the effect of this chapter to restrict or deny access by adults to adult materials or services protected by the First Amendment, or to deny access by the distributors and exhibitors of adult entertainment in their intended market. Neither is it the intent or effect of this chapter to condone or legitimize the distribution of obscene material or services.
(b) The City Council has consulted with other communities that have experience with adult entertainment establishments. Specifically, Council members have had discussions with officials from Painesville Township and the City of Brook Park. Further, the City Council has reviewed evidence concerning the secondary effects of adult uses on the community in the cases of City of Renton v Playtime Theatres, Inc., 475 U.S. 41 (1986), Young v American Mini Theatres, 426 U.S. 50 (1976), and Barnes v. Glen Theatre, Inc., 501 U.S. 560 (1991), and from studies in other communities, including, but not limited to, Mayfield, Ohio, Brook Park, Ohio, and New York, New York.
(Ord. 1999-18. Passed 3-10-99; Approved by voters 11-2-99.)