CINCINNATI, OH – Working under the debunked but popularly accepted notion that legal adult entertainment establishments negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods and communities, a federal appeals court has upheld a state law permitting an Ohio township to regulate and restrict its only strip club, Déjà Vu of Cincinnati. Under the Union Township’s resolution, the club must meet the requirements of the resolution and then obtain a special license, as well as operate only during specific hours. Club owners had challenged the resolution, claiming that it violated free expression rights. Township representatives insist that the resolution merely allows the township to run background checks on some employees and regulate the club’s hours of operation.

The resolution was originally passed in 1999 in order to limit anticipated negative community impact from the club, such as increased illegal drugs and prostitution, as well as lower property values. Déjà Vu responded by filing suit against the Union Township, claiming that the resolution was overly severe and a violation of its First Amendment rights to free expression. The claims were rejected by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in a June 21 ruling.

A three-judge panel for the Sixth Circuit had previously sided with the club, stating that regulations limiting the number of hours an adult cabaret sans liquor license can operate – to fewer hours than clubs with a liquor license – was unconstitutional. It had also supported the club’s claim of limits placed on free expression.

The case now returns to the U.S. District Court.

Governmental supporters of the decision hailed it as “the best thing for the community” and a “victory for family values.”