[Adopted 6-19-1995 by Ord. No. 1-95-0197 (Ch. 8, Art. VII, of the 1991 Code)]
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ADULT BOOKSTORE
Any commercial establishment, which does not otherwise qualify
as a theater or nonprofit free lending library, that either:
A.
Has 5% or more of its stock on the premises,
or has 5% or more of its stock on display, in stories, periodicals,
photographs, drawings, sculpture, motion pictures, films or other
visual representations which depict sadomasochistic abuse, sexual
conduct or sexual excitement, as defined by R.I.G.L. § 11-31-1;
or
B.
Has on the premises one or more mechanical devices
intended for viewing such materials.
[Adopted 4-8-1996 by Ord. No. 1-96-0200 (Ch. 8, Art. IV, Div. 3, of the 1991 Code)]
The purpose of this article is to prohibit certain
acts of commercial exploitation of human sexuality in commercial establishments
within the Town of Coventry where alcoholic beverages are served or
offered for sale for consumption on the premises and to reduce the
likelihood of criminal activity, moral degradation, disturbances of
the peace and good order of the community which may occur when such
commercial exploitation is permitted in such places.
The Town Council finds that there is an increasing
commercial exploitation of human sexuality by owners and operators
of commercial establishments within the State of Rhode Island where
alcoholic beverages are served or offered for sale for consumption
on the premises. Such exploitation takes place in the form of employing
or permitting persons to perform or exhibit their nude or seminude
bodies to other persons as an inducement to such other persons to
purchase alcoholic beverages. The direct results of such exploitation
are criminal activity, moral degradation and disturbances of the peace
and good order of the community. In addition, such commercial exploitation
of such nude and seminude acts is adverse to the public's interest
in the quality of life, tone of commerce and total community environment
of the Town of Coventry.
The penalty for any violation of §
85-6 or a subsection thereof shall be a fine not exceeding in amount $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days in a jail or house of correction.