Selling Sex in Flint, Michigan? You Need a Permit First

These days, we know that sex sells. In every sense of the word. You turn on the TV and some girl is dancing in a music video half naked, but it's No. 1.

So if you're going to sell sex in Flint, Mich., you'll have to get a permit first. It will cost a fee, and if the seller doesn't comply with the ordinance that just passed in Flint Township, they'll be out of business.

Flint Township now has put guidelines in place that must be followed by businesses that are sexually explicit. Though the public had an open opportunity to speak out about the proposal being passed, there were no objections before it was voted in unanimously.

The ordinance will also consist of businesses providing an application for a review process. It will provide for suspensions and licenses being revoked if a business should fail to comply with regulations. Penalties will also be issued for not complying.

The proposal was initiated by treasurer Sandy Wright and attorney Pete Goldstein. Goldstein discovered an ordinance on a web site for another Michigan township near Detroit's Metro Airport. It had passed a challenge in federal courts.

The bill won't affect stores such as Victoria's Secret, located within the Genesee Valley mall, or other establishments that restrict age limits to adults. It will, however, give Flint the control of placement for new businesses seeking sexual explicit sales.

Businesses such as Lover's Lane located within the township will have to pay the annual fee as well to keep up on regulations and inspections. The fee costs $250 a year.

Management from Priscilla's, also located within the township, would not comment on the new policy to ensure they remain in compliance with the ordinance.

Any new business applying for the license will have to pay a $750 fee before receiving it. The bill is for adult video stores in which more than 15% of the floor is for x-rated movies or photography. Any nightclub, bar, or other business that features nude, partially nude acts, or other forms of entertainment with nudity are now part of the ordinance. Any hotel that rents rooms for less than a day and public places that offer x-rated entertainment are included. Also included are escort agencies within the township limits. Any nude model agencies will also have to comply with the new ordinance passed.

Flint Township is Genesee County's busiest shopping district on Flint's Westside. It is home for businesses such as Best Buy, Target, Guitar Center, Pirates Park, many legal buildings including Secretary of State, and popular sexually explicit businesses Lover's Lane and Priscilla's.