{ "batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ohio_statute_2907_39_def", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code: definition of adult entertainment establishment", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code section 2907.39 defines 'adult entertainment establishment' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, nude or seminude model studio, or sexual encounter establishment, all of which are commercial establishments open to the public.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code section 2907.39 defines 'adult entertainment establishment' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, nude or seminude model studio, or sexual encounter establishment, all of which are commercial establishments open to the public.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(5) \"Adult entertainment establishment\" means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, nude or seminude model studio, or sexual encounter establishment. An establishment in which a medical practitioner, psychologist, psychiatrist, or similar professional person licensed by the state engages in medically approved and recognized therapy, including, but not limited to, massage therapy, as regulated pursuant to section 4731.15 of the Revised Code, is not an \"adult entertainment establishment.\"”\n\nNote: The definition lists specific commercial establishment types that are open to the public (arcades, bookstores, cabarets, theaters, model studios, sexual encounter establishments). A private residence producing content for online sale is not listed and does not fit any listed category.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2907.39", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(5) \"Adult entertainment establishment\" means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, nude or seminude model studio, or sexual encounter establishment. An establishment in which a medical practitioner, psychologist, psychiatrist, or similar professional person licensed by the state engages in medically approved and recognized therapy, including, but not limited to, massage therapy, as regulated pursuant to section 4731.15 of the Revised Code, is not an \"adult entertainment establishment.\"", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code", "topic": "definition of adult entertainment establishment", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Ohio state law", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ohio_statute_2907_40_def", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code: definition of sexually oriented business", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code section 2907.40 defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, sexual device shop, or sexual encounter center, but explicitly excludes a business solely by reason of its showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code section 2907.40 defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, sexual device shop, or sexual encounter center, but explicitly excludes a business solely by reason of its showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“(15) \"Sexually oriented business\" means an adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, sexual device shop, or sexual encounter center, but does not include a business solely by reason of its showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex.”\n\nNote: The exclusion for businesses solely showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex is notable. A private content creator selling their own materials online could arguably fall under this exclusion, but the listed categories are all commercial establishments open to the public.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2907.40", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "(15) \"Sexually oriented business\" means an adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, sexual device shop, or sexual encounter center, but does not include a business solely by reason of its showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code", "topic": "definition of sexually oriented business", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Ohio state law", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ohio_statute_503_52_township", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code: township authority to regulate and license adult entertainment establishments", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code section 503.52 grants townships authority to adopt regulations for adult entertainment establishments, including licensing requirements for establishments and employees, but this authority applies to 'adult entertainment establishments' as defined in R.C. 2907.39, which are commercial establishments open to the public.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code section 503.52 grants townships authority to adopt regulations for adult entertainment establishments, including licensing requirements for establishments and employees, but this authority applies to 'adult entertainment establishments' as defined in R.C. 2907.39, which are commercial establishments open to the public.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“The regulations may include, but are not limited to, antinudity restrictions, limitations on hours of operation, interior configuration requirements, and requirements that adult entertainment establishments and their employees obtain licenses or permits to operate as or to be employed by an adult entertainment establishment.”\n\nNote: This delegates licensing authority to townships, but only for 'adult entertainment establishments' as defined in 2907.39. The statute does not create a state-level license.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-503.52", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "The regulations may include, but are not limited to, antinudity restrictions, limitations on hours of operation, interior configuration requirements, and requirements that adult entertainment establishments and their employees obtain licenses or permits to operate as or to be employed by an adult entertainment establishment.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code", "topic": "township authority to regulate and license adult entertainment establishments", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Ohio townships", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.id", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ohio_statute_715_55_municipal", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code: municipal corporation authority to regulate and license adult entertainment establishments", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code section 715.55 grants municipal corporations authority to adopt ordinances regulating adult entertainment establishments, including licensing requirements for establishments and employees, using the same definition from R.C. 2907.39.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code section 715.55 grants municipal corporations authority to adopt ordinances regulating adult entertainment establishments, including licensing requirements for establishments and employees, using the same definition from R.C. 2907.39.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“The ordinance may include, but need not be limited to, antinudity restrictions, limitations on hours of operation, interior configuration requirements, and requirements that an adult entertainment establishment and its employees obtain licenses or permits to operate as an adult entertainment establishment or to be employed by an adult entertainment establishment.”\n\nNote: This delegates licensing authority to municipalities, but only for 'adult entertainment establishments' as defined in 2907.39. The statute does not create a state-level license.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-715.55", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "The ordinance may include, but need not be limited to, antinudity restrictions, limitations on hours of operation, interior configuration requirements, and requirements that an adult entertainment establishment and its employees obtain licenses or permits to operate as an adult entertainment establishment or to be employed by an adult entertainment establishment.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code", "topic": "municipal corporation authority to regulate and license adult entertainment establishments", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Ohio municipal corporations", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.id", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ohio_statute_no_state_zoning", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code: absence of state-level zoning or distance requirements for adult content production", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ohio Revised Code contains no state-level zoning, distance, or buffer requirements for adult content production; such regulations are delegated to townships (R.C. 503.52) and municipal corporations (R.C. 715.55) for 'adult entertainment establishments' as defined in R.C. 2907.39.", "body": "Ohio Revised Code contains no state-level zoning, distance, or buffer requirements for adult content production; such regulations are delegated to townships (R.C. 503.52) and municipal corporations (R.C. 715.55) for 'adult entertainment establishments' as defined in R.C. 2907.39.\n\nWhat Ohio Legislative Service Commission actually says:\n\n“Townships have authority to exercise all powers of local self-government regarding the operation of adult entertainment establishments within their limits and to adopt and enforce within their limits any local police, sanitary, and similar regulations regarding the operation of adult entertainment establishments that are not in conflict with general laws.”\n\nNote: Searched Ohio Revised Code Title 5 Chapter 503, Title 7 Chapter 715, Title 29 Chapter 2907. No state-level distance or zoning requirements exist; R.C. 503.52 and 715.55 explicitly delegate this authority to local governments. The Community Defense Act (proposed initiative, not enacted law) would have created state-level rules but was not adopted.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-503.52", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "CREATOR STRATEGY", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Legislative Service Commission", "evidence_quote": "Townships have authority to exercise all powers of local self-government regarding the operation of adult entertainment establishments within their limits and to adopt and enforce within their limits any local police, sanitary, and similar regulations regarding the operation of adult entertainment establishments that are not in conflict with general laws.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Ohio Revised Code", "topic": "absence of state-level zoning or distance requirements for adult content production", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Ohio state law", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.geo", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_columbus_zoning_def", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Definition of adult entertainment establishment in Columbus zoning", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Columbus Zoning Code (Title 33, Chapter 3303) defines 'adult entertainment establishment' as an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features persons who appear in the nude or live performances characterized by exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities, and 'adult store' as an establishment with a majority of shelf space devoted to adult material or an establishment with an adult booth.", "body": "Columbus Zoning Code (Title 33, Chapter 3303) defines 'adult entertainment establishment' as an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features persons who appear in the nude or live performances characterized by exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities, and 'adult store' as an establishment with a majority of shelf space devoted to adult material or an establishment with an adult booth.\n\nWhat Municode / City of Columbus actually says:\n\n“\"Adult entertainment establishment\" means an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features or provides one or more of the following: 1. Persons who appear in the nude;”\n\nNote: The definition requires a 'commercial establishment' that 'recurrently features' nude persons or specified performances. A private residence producing content for online sale is not a commercial establishment open to the public and does not 'recurrently feature' live performances to patrons on premises.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT33ZOCO_CH3303DE_3303.03LEC", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Municode / City of Columbus", "evidence_quote": "\"Adult entertainment establishment\" means an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features or provides one or more of the following: 1. Persons who appear in the nude;", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Columbus Zoning Code", "topic": "definition of adult entertainment establishment in Columbus zoning", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Columbus, Ohio", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_columbus_zoning_no_online", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether Columbus zoning reaches private online content production", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Columbus Zoning Code's definition of 'adult entertainment establishment' and 'adult store' is limited to commercial establishments open to the public with on-premises adult performances or retail; it does not mention or encompass private residences producing content for online sale.", "body": "Columbus Zoning Code's definition of 'adult entertainment establishment' and 'adult store' is limited to commercial establishments open to the public with on-premises adult performances or retail; it does not mention or encompass private residences producing content for online sale.\n\nWhat Municode / City of Columbus actually says:\n\n“\"Adult entertainment establishment\" means an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features or provides one or more of the following: 1. Persons who appear in the nude;”\n\nNote: This is a negative claim: the code is silent on private online production. The quoted definition requires a 'commercial establishment' that 'recurrently features' live nude persons or performances on premises. A home studio selling content online does not meet this definition.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT33ZOCO_CH3303DE_3303.03LEC", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "CREATOR STRATEGY", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Municode / City of Columbus", "evidence_quote": "\"Adult entertainment establishment\" means an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features or provides one or more of the following: 1. Persons who appear in the nude;", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Columbus Zoning Code", "topic": "whether Columbus zoning reaches private online content production", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Columbus, Ohio", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_cleveland_zoning_347_07", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Cleveland's adult entertainment definitions and distance requirements", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Cleveland Zoning Code section 347.07 defines multiple adult entertainment use categories (adult bookstore, adult video store, adult motion picture theater, adult video arcade, adult cabaret, adult theater, adult live entertainment arcade) and imposes a 1,000-foot distance requirement from residence districts, schools, churches, parks, and other sensitive uses, but all defined uses are commercial establishments open to the public.", "body": "Cleveland Zoning Code section 347.07 defines multiple adult entertainment use categories (adult bookstore, adult video store, adult motion picture theater, adult video arcade, adult cabaret, adult theater, adult live entertainment arcade) and imposes a 1,000-foot distance requirement from residence districts, schools, churches, parks, and other sensitive uses, but all defined uses are commercial establishments open to the public.\n\nWhat American Legal Publishing / City of Cleveland actually says:\n\n“(3) \"Adult Bookstore\" or \"Adult Video Store\" means an establishment, which, as one (1) of its principal purposes, offers for sale or rental for any form of consideration any one (1) or more of the following: A. Books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, video reproductions, slides, laser discs, compact discs or other visual representations, which are distinguished or characterized by the depiction or description of \"specified sexual activities\" or \"specified anatomical areas\";”\n\nNote: Cleveland's code defines 7 categories of adult entertainment uses, all requiring a commercial establishment open to the public. Section 347.07(c) imposes 1,000-foot buffers from residence districts, schools, churches, parks, etc. A private residence producing content for online sale is not listed.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-14617", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "American Legal Publishing / City of Cleveland", "evidence_quote": "(3) \"Adult Bookstore\" or \"Adult Video Store\" means an establishment, which, as one (1) of its principal purposes, offers for sale or rental for any form of consideration any one (1) or more of the following: A. Books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, video reproductions, slides, laser discs, compact discs or other visual representations, which are distinguished or characterized by the depiction or description of \"specified sexual activities\" or \"specified anatomical areas\";", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Cleveland Zoning Code", "topic": "Cleveland's adult entertainment definitions and distance requirements", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Cleveland, Ohio", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_cleveland_zoning_no_online", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Whether Cleveland zoning reaches private online content production", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Cleveland Zoning Code section 347.07 is silent on private online content production; its seven defined adult entertainment use categories all describe commercial establishments open to the public with on-premises adult activities, and the 1,000-foot distance requirements apply only to those listed uses.", "body": "Cleveland Zoning Code section 347.07 is silent on private online content production; its seven defined adult entertainment use categories all describe commercial establishments open to the public with on-premises adult activities, and the 1,000-foot distance requirements apply only to those listed uses.\n\nWhat American Legal Publishing / City of Cleveland actually says:\n\n“Uses defined in divisions (b)(3) Adult Bookstore or Adult Video Store, (b)(4) Adult Motion Picture Theater, (b)(5) Adult Video Arcade, (b)(6) Adult Cabaret, (b)(7) Adult Theater and (b)(8) Adult Live Theater Entertainment Arcade of this section are designated \"adult entertainment\" uses.”\n\nNote: This is a negative claim: the code is silent on private online production. The enumerated uses in 347.07(b)(3)-(8) are all public-facing commercial establishments. A home studio selling content online is not an 'establishment' as defined.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-14617", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "CREATOR STRATEGY", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "American Legal Publishing / City of Cleveland", "evidence_quote": "Uses defined in divisions (b)(3) Adult Bookstore or Adult Video Store, (b)(4) Adult Motion Picture Theater, (b)(5) Adult Video Arcade, (b)(6) Adult Cabaret, (b)(7) Adult Theater and (b)(8) Adult Live Theater Entertainment Arcade of this section are designated \"adult entertainment\" uses.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Cleveland Zoning Code", "topic": "whether Cleveland zoning reaches private online content production", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Cleveland, Ohio", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_cincinnati_zoning_ref", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Cincinnati zoning reference to sexually oriented business", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Cincinnati Zoning Code (Title XIV) references 'sexually oriented business' as a use category in parking regulations (Chapter 1425), but the full definition of 'sexually oriented business' in Chapter 1401 definitions could not be retrieved from the official Municode site during this research.", "body": "Cincinnati Zoning Code (Title XIV) references 'sexually oriented business' as a use category in parking regulations (Chapter 1425), but the full definition of 'sexually oriented business' in Chapter 1401 definitions could not be retrieved from the official Municode site during this research.\n\nWhat Zoneomics (third-party index of Cincinnati Zoning Code) actually says:\n\n“* Sexually oriented business | 1 for every 250 sq. ft. |”\n\nNote: The Zoneomics index shows 'Sexually oriented business' as a use category with parking requirements in Chapter 1425. The official Municode site (library.municode.com/oh/cincinnati) would not load Chapter 1401 definitions for verification. This record notes the reference exists but the full definition could not be confirmed from the official source.", "source_type": "research", "source_link": "https://www.zoneomics.com/code/cincinnati-OH/chapter_14", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "B", "source_publisher": "Zoneomics (third-party index of Cincinnati Zoning Code)", "evidence_quote": "* Sexually oriented business | 1 for every 250 sq. ft. |", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Cincinnati Zoning Code", "topic": "Cincinnati zoning reference to sexually oriented business", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Cincinnati, Ohio", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.geo" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r201_ohio_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_ohio_ag_model_ordinance", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Model ordinance definitions and licensing framework", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The Ohio Attorney General's Model Ordinance Regulating Sexually Oriented Businesses (pursuant to R.C. 503.52 and 715.55) defines 'sexually oriented business' to include adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult entertainment establishment, adult motion picture theater, adult novelty store, adult theater, adult video store, sexual device shop, sexual encounter center, and sexual encounter establishment, and provides for licensing of establishments and employees, but applies only to businesses adopted by local governments under the model.", "body": "The Ohio Attorney General's Model Ordinance Regulating Sexually Oriented Businesses (pursuant to R.C. 503.52 and 715.55) defines 'sexually oriented business' to include adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult entertainment establishment, adult motion picture theater, adult novelty store, adult theater, adult video store, sexual device shop, sexual encounter center, and sexual encounter establishment, and provides for licensing of establishments and employees, but applies only to businesses adopted by local governments under the model.\n\nWhat Ohio Attorney General actually says:\n\n“\"SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS\" means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult entertainment establishment, adult motion picture theater, adult novelty store, adult theater, adult video store, sexual device shop, sexual encounter center, and sexual encounter establishment as defined by Section (II), sub-section (A) of this Ordinance, but does not include a business solely by reason of its showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex.”\n\nNote: The model ordinance is guidance for local governments; it is not self-executing state law. Local governments must adopt it. The definition mirrors the state statutory definitions and targets commercial establishments open to the public.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Legal/Adult-Entertainment-Establishments", "last_verified": "2026-09-13", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ohio Attorney General", "evidence_quote": "\"SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS\" means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult entertainment establishment, adult motion picture theater, adult novelty store, adult theater, adult video store, sexual device shop, sexual encounter center, and sexual encounter establishment as defined by Section (II), sub-section (A) of this Ordinance, but does not include a business solely by reason of its showing, selling, or renting materials that may depict sex.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "201-ohio-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Ohio Attorney General Model Ordinance", "topic": "model ordinance definitions and licensing framework", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Ohio townships and municipalities that adopt the model ordinance", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-oh" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.id", "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }