{
  "batch": "213-north-carolina-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r213_north_carolina_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nc_01_anchor",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Statutory definition and scope of adult establishments",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14, Article 26A (G.S. 14-202.10) defines 'adult establishment' as an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theatre, adult mini motion picture theatre, or adult live entertainment business - all physical public-facing venues",
      "body": "North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14, Article 26A (G.S. 14-202.10) defines 'adult establishment' as an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theatre, adult mini motion picture theatre, or adult live entertainment business - all physical public-facing venues\n\nWhat North Carolina General Assembly actually says:\n\n“As used in this Article:(1) \"Adult bookstore\" means a bookstore:a. Which receives a majority of its gross income during any calendar month from the sale or rental of publications (including books, magazines, other periodicals, videotapes, compact discs, other photographic, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other imaging medium) which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section; orb. Having as a preponderance (either in terms of the weight and importance of the material or in terms of greater volume of materials) of its publications (including books, magazines, other periodicals, videotapes, compact discs, other photographic, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other imaging medium) which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section.(2) \"Adult establishment\" means an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theatre, adult mini motion picture theatre, or adult live entertainment business as defined in this section.(3) \"Adult live entertainment\" means any performance of or involving the actual presence of real people which exhibits specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section.(4) \"Adult live entertainment business\" means any establishment or business wherein adult live entertainment is shown for observation by patrons.(5) \"Adult motion picture theatre\" means an enclosed building or premises used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein. \"Adult motion picture theatre\" does not include any adult mini motion picture theatre as defined in this section.(6) \"Adult mini motion picture theatre\" means an enclosed building with viewing booths designed to hold patrons which is used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein.(7), (8) Repealed by Session Laws 2017-151, s. 2(b), effective October 1, 2017.(9) \"Sexually oriented devices\" means without limitation any artificial or simulated specified anatomical area or other device or paraphernalia that is designed principally for specified sexual activities but shall not mean any contraceptive device.(10) \"Specified anatomical areas\" means:a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: (i) human genitals, pubic region, (ii) buttock, or (iii) female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; orb. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.(11) \"Specified sexual activities\" means:a. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;b. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy; orc. Fondling or other erotic touchings of human genitals, pubic regions, buttocks or female breasts. (1977, c. 987, s. 1; 1985, c. 731, s. 1; 1998-46, s. 4; 2017-151, ss. 2(a), (b)).”\n\nNote: NC G.S. Chapter 14, Article 26A - Adult Establishments. Definitions all refer to physical public-facing establishments (bookstores, motion picture theatres, live entertainment businesses). No definition captures private residence producing content for online sale.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_14/Article_26A.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-23",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "North Carolina General Assembly",
      "evidence_quote": "As used in this Article:(1) \"Adult bookstore\" means a bookstore:a. Which receives a majority of its gross income during any calendar month from the sale or rental of publications (including books, magazines, other periodicals, videotapes, compact discs, other photographic, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other imaging medium) which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section; orb. Having as a preponderance (either in terms of the weight and importance of the material or in terms of greater volume of materials) of its publications (including books, magazines, other periodicals, videotapes, compact discs, other photographic, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other imaging medium) which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section.(2) \"Adult establishment\" means an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theatre, adult mini motion picture theatre, or adult live entertainment business as defined in this section.(3) \"Adult live entertainment\" means any performance of or involving the actual presence of real people which exhibits specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section.(4) \"Adult live entertainment business\" means any establishment or business wherein adult live entertainment is shown for observation by patrons.(5) \"Adult motion picture theatre\" means an enclosed building or premises used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein. \"Adult motion picture theatre\" does not include any adult mini motion picture theatre as defined in this section.(6) \"Adult mini motion picture theatre\" means an enclosed building with viewing booths designed to hold patrons which is used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein.(7), (8) Repealed by Session Laws 2017-151, s. 2(b), effective October 1, 2017.(9) \"Sexually oriented devices\" means without limitation any artificial or simulated specified anatomical area or other device or paraphernalia that is designed principally for specified sexual activities but shall not mean any contraceptive device.(10) \"Specified anatomical areas\" means:a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: (i) human genitals, pubic region, (ii) buttock, or (iii) female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; orb. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.(11) \"Specified sexual activities\" means:a. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;b. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy; orc. Fondling or other erotic touchings of human genitals, pubic regions, buttocks or female breasts. (1977, c. 987, s. 1; 1985, c. 731, s. 1; 1998-46, s. 4; 2017-151, ss. 2(a), (b)).",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "213-north-carolina-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "North Carolina statutory code for adult businesses",
      "topic": "statutory definition and scope of adult establishments",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-nc"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees",
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r213_north_carolina_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nc_02_definition_private_residence",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "Whether private residence producing online content falls inside or outside definition",
      "summary": "NC G.S. 14-202.10 defines 'adult establishment' exclusively as physical public venues (adult bookstore, motion picture theatre, live entertainment business); the definitions contain no language reaching private residences or online content production, and such activity falls outside the statutory definition",
      "body": "NC G.S. 14-202.10 defines 'adult establishment' exclusively as physical public venues (adult bookstore, motion picture theatre, live entertainment business); the definitions contain no language reaching private residences or online content production, and such activity falls outside the statutory definition\n\nWhat North Carolina General Assembly actually says:\n\n“\"Adult establishment\" means an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theatre, adult mini motion picture theatre, or adult live entertainment business as defined in this section.”\n\nNote: The statutory definitions of 'adult bookstore' (gross income from sale/rental of specified material), 'adult motion picture theatre' (enclosed building showing such films), 'adult live entertainment business' (establishment showing live adult entertainment for observation by patrons) all require physical, public-facing venues. Nowhere does the statute reference private residences, home-based production, or online content sales.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_14/Article_26A.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-23",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "North Carolina General Assembly",
      "evidence_quote": "\"Adult establishment\" means an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theatre, adult mini motion picture theatre, or adult live entertainment business as defined in this section.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "213-north-carolina-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "NC statutory definition of adult establishment",
      "topic": "whether private residence producing online content falls inside or outside definition",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "any",
        "region": [
          "us-nc"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r213_north_carolina_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nc_03_licensing_requirement",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] State-level licensing requirement and what triggers it",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Carolina has no state-level licensing regime for adult establishments; G.S. Chapter 14, Article 26A imposes criminal penalties (Class 3 misdemeanor) for operating violations but does not require a license to operate",
      "body": "North Carolina has no state-level licensing regime for adult establishments; G.S. Chapter 14, Article 26A imposes criminal penalties (Class 3 misdemeanor) for operating violations but does not require a license to operate\n\nWhat North Carolina General Assembly actually says:\n\n“Any person who violates G.S. 14-202.11 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Any person who has been previously convicted of a violation of G.S. 14-202.11, upon conviction for a second or subsequent violation of G.S. 14-202.11, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.”\n\nNote: The statute provides penalties for violations of operating restrictions (§ 14-202.11) but does not establish a licensing scheme. No state-level license or permit is required by this statute to operate an adult establishment. Regulation is primarily through local government ordinances, as noted in § 14-202.11(c).",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_14/Article_26A.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-23",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "North Carolina General Assembly",
      "evidence_quote": "Any person who violates G.S. 14-202.11 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Any person who has been previously convicted of a violation of G.S. 14-202.11, upon conviction for a second or subsequent violation of G.S. 14-202.11, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "213-north-carolina-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "NC state-level licensing for adult businesses",
      "topic": "state-level licensing requirement and what triggers it",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-nc"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees",
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r213_north_carolina_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nc_04_zoning_buffer_rule",
      "category": "Business",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] State-level distance, buffer or zoning rule",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] NC G.S. 14-202.11(c) expressly provides that the state statute does not preempt local government regulation of the location or operation of adult establishments, to the extent consistent with free speech protection; no state-level buffer or distance requirements exist in the statute",
      "body": "NC G.S. 14-202.11(c) expressly provides that the state statute does not preempt local government regulation of the location or operation of adult establishments, to the extent consistent with free speech protection; no state-level buffer or distance requirements exist in the statute\n\nWhat North Carolina General Assembly actually says:\n\n“Nothing in this section shall be deemed to preempt local government regulation of the location or operation of adult establishments or other sexually oriented businesses to the extent consistent with the constitutional protection afforded free speech.”\n\nNote: The state statute explicitly refrains from establishing state-level zoning, buffers, or distance requirements. Section 14-202.11(c) delegates location/operation regulation to local governments. Any buffer or distance rules would be found in municipal codes, not state statute.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_14/Article_26A.pdf",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-23",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "North Carolina General Assembly",
      "evidence_quote": "Nothing in this section shall be deemed to preempt local government regulation of the location or operation of adult establishments or other sexually oriented businesses to the extent consistent with the constitutional protection afforded free speech.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "213-north-carolina-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning",
      "subject": "NC state-level zoning/buffer rule for adult establishments",
      "topic": "state-level distance, buffer or zoning rule",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us-nc"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "ops.shipping"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}