Sexually oriented businesses (S.O.Bs) have long been a topic of contentious debate within communities across the U.S., Utah included. While proponents argue for freedom of expression and economic benefits to the community, there is a growing body of evidence highlighting their detrimental impacts on the neighborhoods and communities in which they exist.
Concerns Surrounding The Business
Primary concerns surrounding S.O.Bs include their potential to erode established community values and socially acceptable norms, as they often promote and normalize behaviors which may conflict with moral and ethical standards of residents. This can lead to social divisions and declines in cohesive communities. Families in particular may feel uncomfortable or unsafe in areas where such businesses proliferate.
S.O.Bs may also contribute to various public health and safety issues or concerns within communities as research has shown correlations between S.O.Bs and:
- Crime/Disorder:Â Increased crime rates including violence, drug-related activities, and prostitution.
- Sexual Exploitation: Working conditions of dancers and performers may be exploitative, with individuals being vulnerable to coercion, trafficking, or other forms of physical and mental abuse.
While S.O.Bs may claim to offer entertainment and economic benefits, it’s clear that their presence can have far-reaching negative impacts on their resident communities.
Legal And Regulatory Challenges
Perhaps just as important as their impacts on local communities, legal and regulatory challenges often make regulating or restricting them entirely a challenge. S.O.Bs are often protected under the First Amendment’s freedom of expression rights.
Additionally establishing appropriate zoning regulations to limit locations of S.O.Bs within communities can be difficult as public opinion may be difficult to balance with legal regulations and requirements.
Need Advice Or Want To Learn More?
Check out our online training modules here! Note: civiclinQ is able to provide free access to more than 45 different land use training module topics courtesy of funding provided by the Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman from the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
