Story Published:
Mar 17, 2008 at 5:30 PM CST
Story Updated:
Mar 17, 2008 at 4:59 PM CST
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -- Lawrence County leaders want to tax strip clubs so harshly that someone will think twice about opening one in the county. An initiative that would do that is on the ballot next month.
If the tax passes, county commissioners feel it would basically deter strip clubs from coming to their county.
A cabaret, gentleman's club, juice bar, or strip club -- whatever you call it, you won't find one in Lawrence County. Many residents are happy with that fact. Because of past efforts, however, to bring one to the area and the county’s prime location astraddle Interstate 44, county officials have proposed a 10-percent tax to deter them.
“The I-44 corridor seems to be a favorite place for this type of business, because I don't think the local people would support it as much as the interstate traffic,” said Presiding County Commissioner Sam Goodman.
An adult video store near Stotts City along I-44 is the only adult entertainment business of which commissioners are aware in Lawrence County. Commissioners hope the tax will keep the cabarets away.
“The tax does not affect anybody else in the county except for the cabaret itself,” said Goodman.
The 10-percent tax on the business' gross income is the highest amount of tax allowed by state statute. The tax money would be used for employee background checks at the strip club, as well as law enforcement for the crowd that gathers there.
“It’s a group of people you may not necessarily want in your area. It can hurt property values and, in general, it's not something our general population wants, especially to have their family and children exposed to,” the commissioner said.
A manager at the adult video store says he doesn't think the tax is right but Goodman says most of the feedback that he's received is in favor of the tax.
“I think, for the most part, it's been positive feedback, because they, in general, don't want this type of business in the area,” said Goodman.
Lawrence County residents will vote on the proposed tax on April 8, along with school district and town elections. If passed, it would be in effect for four years before going on the ballot again.
Commissioners considered other ways to prevent these businesses. They say they can't zone areas to prevent the strip clubs because they don't have planning and zoning in Lawrence County. Trying to deter the clubs with county statutes would be difficult because of 1st Amendment issues.
