Strippers and Touching and Children------OH MY!

My letter on SB16 - The Community Defense Act - to Co-sponsor, Senator Amstutz.


Senator Amstutz:

I am a conservative republican father of two in the Toledo area. I have been reading recently about SB 16 and its proposed restrictions on adult businesses, specifically "strip clubs."

I also recently read that you support, and in fact co-sponsored the bill to "protect Ohio families."

My sincere question to you is, How does SB16 protect families?

Before answering please understand, I am neither a patron or other financial supporter of strip bars or "adult entertainment businesses." But, I am a small government minded, local rule leaning, largely libertarian belief based republican, who believes that unnecessary and unfettered Federal, State or Local control of private business is at its core counterproductive, and largely applied in an unconstitutional manner.

Secondly, I am a former police officer and current attorney. [read - AssholeLawyer] At present, adult entertainment establishments concentrate their patrons in zoning controlled areas, keep them OFF the streets and playgrounds (anticipating your arguments for the bill) and allow governments -including their police forces- to regulate this behavior at specific controlled locations.

Closing adult entertainment establishments at midnight, or alcohol based businesses at 2am, will simply force said patrons onto the streets. Unless strip clubs exist that operate at or near schools and playgrounds during daylight hours, how will late night and early morning closings "protect" any kids or families?

I recognize this proposed legislation as "feel good" on the surface, and very tough to vote against given the sexual nature of the subject matter. But, as a republican, it is your duty to uphold the tenants of our party and our constitution. This bill is the overreaching regulation of private business and individual liberty for no real, tangible effect.

As importantly, this regulation is yet another anti-business, anti-free market step taken by Ohio which will support the mass retreat from our state, and further indicates to businesses who may consider Ohio as a potential investment location, that their future is brighter elsewhere.

I await your response. Thank you for your service to our state.


The A-Hole