WESTMINSTER : Adult Business Rules Win Tentative OK

The City Council has toughened two ordinances dealing with adult-related businesses.

The council last week tentatively approved rules that would require future topless bars and other adult businesses to be located farther away from homes, churches and schools, and also would ban those younger than 18 from tattoo parlors unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Residents protesting a proposed topless bar on Garden Grove Boulevard hailed the decisions, but said they are frustrated that there seems no way to stop adult businesses from coming to the city.

The council will consider the changes for final approval next week. However, the distance rule would affect only future permit requests, because the ordinance cannot be retroactive, officials said.

“The city is looking at ways to stay within the law and still be helpful,” said Gary Soverns, one of the leaders of a group opposing the opening of Scamps, a proposed bar that would feature semi-nude female dancers.

In January, city officials denied a request by the Santa Fe Springs Realty Corp. to convert the Marquee nightclub to a topless bar called Scamps. The firm appealed the decision to the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. The case is pending, but the court has not stopped the bar owner from renovating the building.

Federal District Judge Laughlin E. Waters has scheduled a hearing Jan. 17, officials said.

Under the revised ordinance, an adult business would not be allowed within 250 feet from a school, church, park or school. The distance would be measured from lot line to lot line, instead of from building to building.