{
  "batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_state_lu03_guidance",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] New York State: municipal regulation of adult uses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] New York State has no statewide statute defining 'adult entertainment establishment' or 'sexually oriented business' that reaches private online content production; regulation is delegated to municipalities under state constitutional standards.",
      "body": "New York State has no statewide statute defining 'adult entertainment establishment' or 'sexually oriented business' that reaches private online content production; regulation is delegated to municipalities under state constitutional standards.\n\nWhat New York State Department of State actually says:\n\n“Municipal zoning regulation of adult business may be locally popular, but it raises serious constitutional issues when the regulation is directed at free expression protected by the federal and state Constitutions. [...] Municipalities drafting adult use zoning legislation typically choose between two zoning techniques, which either: 1) concentrate adult uses in a single geographic area of the locality or 2) disperse adult uses using distance requirements.”\n\nNote: This is the anchor record: NY State Department of State Legal Memorandum LU03 (2001) confirms no statewide licensing/zoning regime for adult businesses; authority rests with municipalities under Renton/Stringfellow's constitutional framework. The memo cites Stringfellow's I (91 NY2d 382) and II (96 NY2d 51) as controlling state precedent.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://dos.ny.gov/legal-memorandum-lu03-municipal-regulation-adult-uses",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York State Department of State",
      "evidence_quote": "Municipal zoning regulation of adult business may be locally popular, but it raises serious constitutional issues when the regulation is directed at free expression protected by the federal and state Constitutions. [...] Municipalities drafting adult use zoning legislation typically choose between two zoning techniques, which either: 1) concentrate adult uses in a single geographic area of the locality or 2) disperse adult uses using distance requirements.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York State",
      "topic": "municipal regulation of adult uses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "NY state guidance memo LU03 (2001) from Department of State",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "access.geo",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-ny"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_nyc_zr1210_definition",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] New York City: zoning definition of adult establishment",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] NYC Zoning Resolution §12-10 defines 'adult establishment' as a 'commercial establishment' that includes adult book stores, adult eating or drinking establishments, adult theaters, or other adult commercial establishments — all requiring physical premises that exclude or restrict minors.",
      "body": "NYC Zoning Resolution §12-10 defines 'adult establishment' as a 'commercial establishment' that includes adult book stores, adult eating or drinking establishments, adult theaters, or other adult commercial establishments — all requiring physical premises that exclude or restrict minors.\n\nWhat New York City Department of City Planning actually says:\n\n“(1) Adult Establishment: An \"adult establishment\" is a commercial establishment which is or includes an adult book store, adult eating or drinking establishment, adult theater, or other adult commercial establishment, or any combination thereof, as defined below: (a) An adult book store is a book store that offers \"printed or visual material\" for sale or rent to customers where a \"substantial portion\" of its stock-in-trade of \"printed or visual material\" consists of \"adult printed or visual material,\" defined as \"printed or visual material\" characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of \"specified sexual activities\" or \"specified anatomical areas\"; (b) An adult eating or drinking establishment is an eating or drinking establishment which regularly features in any portion of such establishment any one or more of the following: (1) live performances which are characterized by an emphasis on \"specified anatomical areas\" or \"specified sexual activities\"; or (2) films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of \"specified sexual activities\" or \"specified anatomical areas\"; or (3) employees who, as part of their employment, regularly expose to patrons \"specified anatomical areas\"; and which is not customarily open to the general public during such features because it excludes or restricts minors.”\n\nNote: The definition explicitly requires a 'commercial establishment' with physical premises that 'excludes or restricts minors.' A private residence producing content for online sale with no walk-in customers, no minors on premises, and no public access does not meet this definition. The three cities used for municipal comparison are New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester (the three largest by population).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://zr.planning.nyc.gov/article-i/chapter-2/12-10",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York City Department of City Planning",
      "evidence_quote": "(1) Adult Establishment: An \"adult establishment\" is a commercial establishment which is or includes an adult book store, adult eating or drinking establishment, adult theater, or other adult commercial establishment, or any combination thereof, as defined below: (a) An adult book store is a book store that offers \"printed or visual material\" for sale or rent to customers where a \"substantial portion\" of its stock-in-trade of \"printed or visual material\" consists of \"adult printed or visual material,\" defined as \"printed or visual material\" characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of \"specified sexual activities\" or \"specified anatomical areas\"; (b) An adult eating or drinking establishment is an eating or drinking establishment which regularly features in any portion of such establishment any one or more of the following: (1) live performances which are characterized by an emphasis on \"specified anatomical areas\" or \"specified sexual activities\"; or (2) films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of \"specified sexual activities\" or \"specified anatomical areas\"; or (3) employees who, as part of their employment, regularly expose to patrons \"specified anatomical areas\"; and which is not customarily open to the general public during such features because it excludes or restricts minors.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York City",
      "topic": "zoning definition of adult establishment",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "New York City only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "newyorkcity",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "access.geo",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-ny"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_nyc_zr3201_commercial_distance",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "New York City: commercial district distance requirements for adult establishments",
      "summary": "NYC Zoning Resolution §32-01 prohibits adult establishments in C1–C6-3 districts and requires a 500-foot buffer from houses of worship, schools, residence districts, and other adult establishments in C6-4 through C8 districts.",
      "body": "NYC Zoning Resolution §32-01 prohibits adult establishments in C1–C6-3 districts and requires a 500-foot buffer from houses of worship, schools, residence districts, and other adult establishments in C6-4 through C8 districts.\n\nWhat New York City Department of City Planning actually says:\n\n“(a) Adult establishments are not permitted in C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 Districts. (b) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, no adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from a house of worship, a school, a Residence District, a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5-1, C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 District, or a Manufacturing District, other than an M1-6M District, in which new residences or new joint living-work quarters for artists are allowed as-of-right or by special permit or authorization. (c) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, no adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from a previously established adult establishment. (d) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, no more than one adult establishment permitted under this Section shall be established on a zoning lot. (e) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, adult establishments shall not exceed, in total, 10,000 square feet of floor area and cellar space not used for enclosed storage or mechanical equipment.”\n\nNote: These distance requirements apply only to 'adult establishments' as defined in §12-10 (commercial premises excluding minors). Private online content production in a residence would not trigger these zoning buffers.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://zr.planning.nyc.gov/article-iii/chapter-2/32-01",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York City Department of City Planning",
      "evidence_quote": "(a) Adult establishments are not permitted in C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 Districts. (b) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, no adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from a house of worship, a school, a Residence District, a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5-1, C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 District, or a Manufacturing District, other than an M1-6M District, in which new residences or new joint living-work quarters for artists are allowed as-of-right or by special permit or authorization. (c) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, no adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from a previously established adult establishment. (d) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, no more than one adult establishment permitted under this Section shall be established on a zoning lot. (e) In C6-4, C6-5, C6-6, C6-7, C6-8, C6-9, C7 or C8 Districts, adult establishments shall not exceed, in total, 10,000 square feet of floor area and cellar space not used for enclosed storage or mechanical equipment.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York City",
      "topic": "commercial district distance requirements for adult establishments",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "New York City Commercial Districts only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "newyorkcity",
        "topic": [
          "access.geo",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_nyc_zr4201_manufacturing_distance",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "New York City: manufacturing district distance requirements for adult establishments",
      "summary": "NYC Zoning Resolution §42-01 prohibits adult establishments in Manufacturing Districts allowing residences/joint living-work quarters for artists, and requires 500-foot buffers from houses of worship, schools, residence districts, and other adult establishments in other Manufacturing Districts.",
      "body": "NYC Zoning Resolution §42-01 prohibits adult establishments in Manufacturing Districts allowing residences/joint living-work quarters for artists, and requires 500-foot buffers from houses of worship, schools, residence districts, and other adult establishments in other Manufacturing Districts.\n\nWhat New York City Department of City Planning actually says:\n\n“(a) Adult establishments are not permitted in a Manufacturing District in which residences or joint living-work quarters for artists are allowed as-of-right or by special permit or authorization. (b) In all other Manufacturing Districts, no adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from a house of worship, a school, a Residence District, a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5-1, C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 District, or a Manufacturing District, other than an M1-6M District, in which new residences or new joint living-work quarters for artists are allowed as-of-right or by special permit or authorization. (c) No adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from another adult establishment. (d) No more than one adult establishment permitted under this Section shall be established on a zoning lot. (e) Adult establishments shall not exceed, in total, 10,000 square feet of floor area and cellar space not used for enclosed storage or mechanical equipment.”\n\nNote: Same 'commercial establishment' definition from §12-10 applies. A home-based online content creator would not be an 'adult establishment' under this regime.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://zr.planning.nyc.gov/article-iv/chapter-2/42-01",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York City Department of City Planning",
      "evidence_quote": "(a) Adult establishments are not permitted in a Manufacturing District in which residences or joint living-work quarters for artists are allowed as-of-right or by special permit or authorization. (b) In all other Manufacturing Districts, no adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from a house of worship, a school, a Residence District, a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5-1, C6-1, C6-2 or C6-3 District, or a Manufacturing District, other than an M1-6M District, in which new residences or new joint living-work quarters for artists are allowed as-of-right or by special permit or authorization. (c) No adult establishment shall be established less than 500 feet from another adult establishment. (d) No more than one adult establishment permitted under this Section shall be established on a zoning lot. (e) Adult establishments shall not exceed, in total, 10,000 square feet of floor area and cellar space not used for enclosed storage or mechanical equipment.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York City",
      "topic": "manufacturing district distance requirements for adult establishments",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "New York City Manufacturing Districts only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "newyorkcity",
        "topic": [
          "access.geo",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_buffalo_udo_noadult",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "Buffalo: absence of adult use regulations in Unified Development Ordinance",
      "summary": "Buffalo's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 496, effective 2017) contains no definitions, zoning restrictions, or licensing requirements for 'adult entertainment establishments,' 'sexually oriented businesses,' or similar terms.",
      "body": "Buffalo's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 496, effective 2017) contains no definitions, zoning restrictions, or licensing requirements for 'adult entertainment establishments,' 'sexually oriented businesses,' or similar terms.\n\nWhat City of Buffalo (via eCode360) actually says:\n\n“No results found...”\n\nNote: Searched eCode360 for Buffalo City Code (Chapter 496 UDO) using queries 'adult', 'sexually', 'adult entertainment' — zero results in the code. The UDO replaced the 1953 zoning code in 2017. The absence of adult use provisions in the UDO means Buffalo currently relies on general zoning (no special adult-use buffers or licensing). This is a negative finding evidenced by the search index itself showing no matches. Three cities used: NYC, Buffalo, Rochester.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://ecode360.com/33193294",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "CREATOR STRATEGY",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "City of Buffalo (via eCode360)",
      "evidence_quote": "No results found...",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Buffalo",
      "topic": "absence of adult use regulations in Unified Development Ordinance",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of Buffalo only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "buffalo",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "access.geo",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_rochester_ch98_definition",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Rochester: municipal definition and licensing of sexually oriented businesses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Rochester Municipal Code Chapter 98 defines 'sexually oriented business' as a 'business enterprise' (any business or place where, for consideration, goods, merchandise, services or entertainment are offered) covering adult retail stores, adult arcades, adult cabarets, and adult movie theaters, and requires a city license to operate.",
      "body": "Rochester Municipal Code Chapter 98 defines 'sexually oriented business' as a 'business enterprise' (any business or place where, for consideration, goods, merchandise, services or entertainment are offered) covering adult retail stores, adult arcades, adult cabarets, and adult movie theaters, and requires a city license to operate.\n\nWhat City of Rochester (via eCode360) actually says:\n\n“[BUSINESS ENTERPRISE] Any business or place where, for consideration, goods, merchandise, services or entertainment are offered. [CONSIDERATION] The payment of money or the exchange of any item or services of value for: A. The right to enter the business premises, or any portion thereof; B. The right to remain on the business premises, or any portion thereof; C. The right to purchase any item permitting the right to enter, or remain on, the business premises, or any portion thereof; D. The right to a membership permitting the right to enter, or remain on, the business premises, or any portion thereof; or E. The right to obtain any services, buy or rent any items or view any entertainment in a sexually oriented business. [SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS] An adult retail store, adult arcade, adult cabaret or adult movie theater and, except for purposes of business and manager licensing, a limited adult retail store. [...] § 98-4 License required. A. It is unlawful: (1) For any person to operate a sexually oriented business without a valid sexually oriented business license issued by the City pursuant to this chapter.”\n\nNote: The definitions hinge on a physical 'business premises' where customers enter/remain 'for consideration.' Private online content production with no physical customer access would not meet the 'business enterprise' or 'consideration' definitions. Three cities used: NYC, Buffalo, Rochester.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://ecode360.com/8678144",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "City of Rochester (via eCode360)",
      "evidence_quote": "[BUSINESS ENTERPRISE] Any business or place where, for consideration, goods, merchandise, services or entertainment are offered. [CONSIDERATION] The payment of money or the exchange of any item or services of value for: A. The right to enter the business premises, or any portion thereof; B. The right to remain on the business premises, or any portion thereof; C. The right to purchase any item permitting the right to enter, or remain on, the business premises, or any portion thereof; D. The right to a membership permitting the right to enter, or remain on, the business premises, or any portion thereof; or E. The right to obtain any services, buy or rent any items or view any entertainment in a sexually oriented business. [SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS] An adult retail store, adult arcade, adult cabaret or adult movie theater and, except for purposes of business and manager licensing, a limited adult retail store. [...] § 98-4 License required. A. It is unlawful: (1) For any person to operate a sexually oriented business without a valid sexually oriented business license issued by the City pursuant to this chapter.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Rochester",
      "topic": "municipal definition and licensing of sexually oriented businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of Rochester only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "rochester",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup",
          "money.fees",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-ny"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_rochester_ch98_classification",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "Rochester: classification and licensing categories for sexually oriented businesses",
      "summary": "Rochester §98-3 classifies sexually oriented businesses into four licensed categories: adult retail store, adult arcade, adult cabaret, and adult movie theater; a license is required for each classification and only one classification per license.",
      "body": "Rochester §98-3 classifies sexually oriented businesses into four licensed categories: adult retail store, adult arcade, adult cabaret, and adult movie theater; a license is required for each classification and only one classification per license.\n\nWhat City of Rochester (via eCode360) actually says:\n\n“A. Sexually oriented businesses which are required to be licensed hereunder are classified as follows: (1) Adult retail store. (2) Adult arcade. (3) Adult cabaret. (4) Adult movie theater. B. A sexually oriented business license shall issue for only one classification.”\n\nNote: Each classification requires a physical premises: adult arcade = coin-operated viewing booths; adult cabaret = live nude/seminude performances; adult movie theater = films shown to common audience >5 persons or in common area >150 sq ft; adult retail store = physical store meeting stock/display thresholds.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://ecode360.com/8678144",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "City of Rochester (via eCode360)",
      "evidence_quote": "A. Sexually oriented businesses which are required to be licensed hereunder are classified as follows: (1) Adult retail store. (2) Adult arcade. (3) Adult cabaret. (4) Adult movie theater. B. A sexually oriented business license shall issue for only one classification.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "Rochester",
      "topic": "classification and licensing categories for sexually oriented businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "City of Rochester only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "rochester",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup",
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_state_labor_art4b_notenacted",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] New York State: proposed but unenacted Labor Law Article 4-B (Dance Performer Registration)",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] New York State Labor Law does not contain an Article 4-B defining 'adult entertainment establishment'; bills A842 (2011) and A3504 (2017) proposed such an article limited to establishments with liquor/food licenses featuring live nude dancers, but neither was enacted.",
      "body": "New York State Labor Law does not contain an Article 4-B defining 'adult entertainment establishment'; bills A842 (2011) and A3504 (2017) proposed such an article limited to establishments with liquor/food licenses featuring live nude dancers, but neither was enacted.\n\nWhat New York State Senate actually says:\n\n“ARTICLE 1 Short Title: Definitions (§§ 1-4) [...] ARTICLE 4 Employment of Minors (§§ 130-145) [...] ARTICLE 4-A Employment and Education of Child Performers. (§§ 150--154-a) [...] ARTICLE 37 Trapped At Work Act (§§ 1050-1055) ARTICLE 40 When to Take Effect (§ 1200)”\n\nNote: The current consolidated Labor Law (viewed 2026-07-03) lists Articles 1 through 40 with no Article 4-B. Bills A842 (2011) and A3504 (2017) proposed adding Article 4-B defining 'adult entertainment establishment' as requiring a license to sell alcoholic beverages/food for on-premises consumption — which would not reach private online production. The bills died in committee.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/LAB",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York State Senate",
      "evidence_quote": "ARTICLE 1 Short Title: Definitions (§§ 1-4) [...] ARTICLE 4 Employment of Minors (§§ 130-145) [...] ARTICLE 4-A Employment and Education of Child Performers. (§§ 150--154-a) [...] ARTICLE 37 Trapped At Work Act (§§ 1050-1055) ARTICLE 40 When to Take Effect (§ 1200)",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York State",
      "topic": "proposed but unenacted Labor Law Article 4-B (Dance Performer Registration)",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "New York State",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup",
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "explicit_solo"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-ny"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_state_gbs399_media_surcharge",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] New York State: proposed General Business Law surcharge on sexually oriented media (not production licensing)",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Bills A290 (2011) and A3417 (2019) proposed adding General Business Law §399-dddd imposing a $2 surcharge on 'sexually oriented media' (magazines, videos, DVDs, internet websites registered in NY featuring nude pictures/performances), but this is a point-of-sale surcharge on sellers, not a licensing requirement for content producers.",
      "body": "Bills A290 (2011) and A3417 (2019) proposed adding General Business Law §399-dddd imposing a $2 surcharge on 'sexually oriented media' (magazines, videos, DVDs, internet websites registered in NY featuring nude pictures/performances), but this is a point-of-sale surcharge on sellers, not a licensing requirement for content producers.\n\nWhat New York State Assembly actually says:\n\n“§ 399-dddd. Sexually oriented media; surcharge. 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: a. \"nude\" shall mean: (i) entirely unclothed; or (ii) clothed in a manner that leaves uncovered or visible through less than fully opaque clothing any portion of the breasts below the top of the areola of the breasts, if the person is female, or any portion of the genitals or buttocks; and b. \"sexually oriented media\" shall mean a magazine, video, DVD or internet website whose domain name is registered in this state, where the content of such magazine, video, DVD or internet website features nude pictures or nude performances. 2. A surcharge shall be imposed on any sexually oriented media as follows: a. for each magazine, video or DVD purchased in this state, two dollars for each magazine, video or DVD purchased; or b. for each download purchased from an internet website, two dollars for each download purchased.”\n\nNote: This bill was introduced but not enacted (referred to Economic Development Committee). Even if enacted, it targets sellers/distributors of media, not producers filming in private residences. No current NY statute imposes a production license or permit for adult content creation.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2019/A3417",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York State Assembly",
      "evidence_quote": "§ 399-dddd. Sexually oriented media; surcharge. 1. For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: a. \"nude\" shall mean: (i) entirely unclothed; or (ii) clothed in a manner that leaves uncovered or visible through less than fully opaque clothing any portion of the breasts below the top of the areola of the breasts, if the person is female, or any portion of the genitals or buttocks; and b. \"sexually oriented media\" shall mean a magazine, video, DVD or internet website whose domain name is registered in this state, where the content of such magazine, video, DVD or internet website features nude pictures or nude performances. 2. A surcharge shall be imposed on any sexually oriented media as follows: a. for each magazine, video or DVD purchased in this state, two dollars for each magazine, video or DVD purchased; or b. for each download purchased from an internet website, two dollars for each download purchased.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York State",
      "topic": "proposed General Business Law surcharge on sexually oriented media (not production licensing)",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "New York State (proposed only)",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "money.tax",
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "topless"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap",
          "deferred_state_uncorroborated:us-ny"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r183_new_york_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ny_state_absence_statelicense",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "New York State: no statewide license or permit for producing adult content from a private residence",
      "summary": "No New York State statute or regulation requires a license, permit, or zoning approval for an individual producing adult content from a private residence or rented space for online distribution.",
      "body": "No New York State statute or regulation requires a license, permit, or zoning approval for an individual producing adult content from a private residence or rented space for online distribution.\n\nWhat New York State Senate (OpenLegislation) actually says:\n\n“ARTICLE 1 Short Title: Definitions (§§ 1-4) [...] ARTICLE 4 Employment of Minors (§§ 130-145) [...] ARTICLE 37 Trapped At Work Act (§§ 1050-1055) ARTICLE 40 When to Take Effect (§ 1200)”\n\nNote: Negative finding: searched the consolidated Labor Law (31 chapters, Articles 1–40), General Business Law, Penal Law Article 235 (obscenity), Public Health Law Article 23. No statute defines 'adult entertainment establishment' or 'sexually oriented business' in a way that reaches private online production. The only enacted state-level adult-use laws are obscenity statutes (Penal Law §235) and public nuisance (Public Health Law §2320), neither of which regulates production licensing or zoning. Confidence 'contested' per rules for absence claims.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/LAB",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-12",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "New York State Senate (OpenLegislation)",
      "evidence_quote": "ARTICLE 1 Short Title: Definitions (§§ 1-4) [...] ARTICLE 4 Employment of Minors (§§ 130-145) [...] ARTICLE 37 Trapped At Work Act (§§ 1050-1055) ARTICLE 40 When to Take Effect (§ 1200)",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "183-new-york-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "New York State",
      "topic": "no statewide license or permit for producing adult content from a private residence",
      "applies_to_country": "US",
      "applies_to_scope": "New York State",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-ny"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "access.signup",
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    }
  ]
}