A roomful of Damariscotta voters approved a six-month ban on adult entertainment establishments during a special town meeting at the town office Wednesday, Sept. 17.
There was no debate during the special town meeting or a public hearing prior to the meeting, and there were no votes against the ban, also known as a moratorium ordinance.
The town now plans to develop permanent adult entertainment regulations while the ban remains in effect. The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen will begin to discuss the permanent ordinance during a work session after its regular meeting Oct. 15.
The selectmen will consider whether to impose certain restrictions on adult businesses, such as buffer zones between adult businesses and schools, and whether to allow adult businesses in the downtown district. Towns cannot ban adult businesses outright.
The board has the option to extend the ban for another six months if the town needs more time to complete a proposal.
In the meantime, the moratorium prohibits adult book stores, novelty stores, theaters, and video stores, as well as escort agencies, strip clubs, and other businesses.
The establishment of such businesses “could pose serious threats to the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Damariscotta” without regulation, according to the moratorium ordinance.
The ordinance cites evidence that such establishments can have negative effects on crime rates and property values in surrounding areas.
The vote follows inquiries by Waldoboro businessman and alleged drug dealer Herman “Rusty” Hoffman into moving his business, Hoffman Collectibles, to Damariscotta. The business sells adult toys and pipes, among other items.
Hoffman now plans to keep his business in Waldoboro, according to Damariscotta Town Manager Matt Lutkus.
The decision, “in my personal opinion, is good news, however, it does not, in my view, preclude the need to take further steps to establish an ordinance here in Damariscotta,” Lutkus said before the vote.
The voters also approved minor adjustments to the 2014-2015 municipal budget and the town’s shoreland zoning ordinance during the brief special town meeting.
