Sexually Oriented Business Regulation by Local Governments

A Practice Note on local government regulation of adult businesses, also called adult entertainment businesses or sexually oriented businesses (sometimes abbreviated as "SOBs"). This Note discusses the characteristics that determine whether a business is a sexually oriented business. It explores constitutional issues associated with regulating adult businesses and how courts have allowed local governments to regulate the businesses using secondary effects analysis. This Note also describes the strategies used in regulating adult businesses, including zoning regulations, licensing standards, and structural and operational requirements.