Jefferson City, MO – A Cole County judge may decide Friday (August 27) whether a new law that places restrictions on sexually-oriented businesses in Missouri can take effect Saturday as planned.
The new restrictions include a ban on full nudity and alcohol sales at strip clubs, limit where new clubs and adult video stores can locate, and require them to close at midnight.
Attorney Dick Bryant represents several adult-oriented businesses. He wants Judge Jon Beetem to issue a temporary restraining order to block the law from taking effect until a full hearing can be scheduled.
Bryant argues that the new law violates free speech rights and that lawmakers greatly underestimated the amount of revenue the state would lose due to the new regulations.
Attorneys for the state contend the law is sound and that similar laws have been upheld in other states.