Albert Lea Postpones Strip Club Restrictions
The Albert Lea city council has postponed enacting a new ordinance regarding strip clubs in the city pending the outcome of lawsuits challenging a new state law allowing cities to put tough restrictions on sexually-themed businesses. The proposed Albert Lea law would put the city in full compliance with maximum restrictions allowed under state law.
In 2006 Minnesota passed a law enabling cities to make it harder for any business that features live nude performances or depictions of sexually-oriented material to operate. In particular, the new powers granted to municipalities are:
* Local governments are not required to zone for adult establishments if there already is one within 50 miles
* Adult entertainment establisments are prohibited from operating with 1,500 feet of another adult establishment, within 500 feet of residential property, or within 2800 feet of a school or place of worship
* Such businesses may not open before 10 AM and may not stay open after 10 PM
* Local governments can enact more restrictive laws if they choose
There are currently lawsuits challenging the new state law.