November 14 1994

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Making good on campaign pledges to improve "quality of life" in New York City, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has proposed sweeping measures to restrict the location of "sex shops" to remote areas of the city.

The recommended regulations, which must clear a lengthy review by the city council, will prohibit adult video stores, X-rated theaters, and topless bars from opening within 500 feet of residences, schools, houses of worship, or each other.

Sex shops "have deteriorated the quality of life in the city," Giuliani says. "They hurt the economy of the city. They cost us jobs. They cost us money." The New York City Planning Commission cites supporting evidence.

Jerry Kirk, president of the National Coalition Against Pornography, calls the proposal "excellent."

The proposal has also drawn backing by liberals and feminists. The New York Times called the mayor's plan "a response to legitimate community anger" and his method of using zoning as a means to restrict these establishments "sound."

Similar legislation found wide support in the city council last year, and several cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, and Philadelphia, have adopted comparable measures in recent years.