In August of 2019 Fort Wayne City Council took it upon themselves to adopt an archaic and unreasonable ordinance to regulate adult entertainment in the city. Their goal is the elimination of all adult oriented business. The restrictions placed upon gentlemen’s clubs are such that it is impossible to operate within the guidelines set forth in ordinance 121. These clubs employ roughly 450 people in our community. The clubs offer the entertainers a safe, well-regulated venue at which to work. Without these clubs in our community I fear for the safety of the ladies in the adult industry. Adult entertainment will not go away, it will simply be forced underground where regulations and safety are not a priority.

According to police chief Steve Reed during the first half of this year in Fort Wayne sexual assaults increased by 57%. San Francisco has experienced a 170% increase in human trafficking due to similar regulations. When a new adult establishment opens up in New York City precincts there is a 13% decrease in sex crimes within a week with all other crimes remaining neutral. Also, there is no fluctuation in crimes in neighboring precincts according to an eight-year Princeton study published in the Economic Journal. San Diego is experiencing similar ramifications. The ordinance in Fort Wayne was passed with no community discussion using biased police data and frankly outright mis-information.
            As mentioned previously the regulations are unreasonable. An entertainer can be fined $2500.00 for wearing a bikini at her club (These clubs are 21 and over). She can then walk out the door and wear the same bikini legally in public. Fort Wayne claims to be such a progressive city on the rise. The 1950’s mentality employed by certain community leaders will hinder the efforts of good people in public service. What we need is cooperation, open dialog, and education to address issues instead of mandates and laws. What I propose is a full repeal of ordinance 121 and a drafting of a co-sponsored ordinance that actually addresses any concerns of the public.