Preventing the Secondary Effects of Adult Entertainment Establishments: Is Zoning the Solution?

This Comment examines the effects of the adult entertainment industry on America\u27s communities and addresses whether current legal protections adequately shield communities from negative secondary effects resulting from the industry. The Comment begins by recounting the history of municipalities\u27 abilities to zone out adult entertainment establishments, describing the growth of the industry, and outlining the growth of their First Amendment protection. Next, the Comment examines the potential secondary effects resulting from adult entertainment establishments, including the spread of AIDS, increased prostitution, rape, crime, and neighborhood deterioration. The author discusses whether zoning is a viable method for decreasing these secondary effects from America\u27s neighborhoods. Finally, two additional alternatives are presented to combat secondary effects. The author concludes that zoning should be combined with these additional alternatives to reach the best desired result for the optimal health of America\u27s neighborhoods