Tarrant County officials change regulation for “sexually oriented” bus

Tarrant County - In a resounding show of unity, Tarrant County's legislative council has imposed new guidelines on establishments identified as "sexually oriented," a decision sparked by a horrific violent event at Temptations Strip Club last month.

This comprehensive reform arises from a serious incident that shocked the local community - the fatal gunfire incident at Temptations Strip Club. This unfortunate event spurred the authorities to impose more stringent guidelines, heeding the call for improved regulation of these establishments.

After an exhaustive two-hour executive meeting, the county commissioners concurred with the proposed changes, seeking legal advice from county attorneys throughout the process to ensure their decisions were both insightful and prudent.

The legislative revisions - a meticulous enhancement to current laws - primarily affect sexually oriented businesses located in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. The main objective is to exert stricter control, guarantee safety, and foster a secure environment for the local community.

The spur for these changes can be traced to the county's legal efforts to permanently close down the infamous Temptations Cabaret, a venue notorious for its adult entertainment. Over time, this establishment has been at the center of various emergency calls and a host to a range of criminal activities, from illegal drug consumption to severe stabbings and homicides.

Among the series of regulatory changes, the most notable revision relates to the business hours of these establishments. The newly instituted law significantly limits the operating hours of these sexually oriented businesses, a measure designed to lessen potential harm and suppress illegal activities.

"We determined the problematic hours for criminal activity was proliferating was between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.," said Commissioner Manny Ramirez.

"So in order to make sure we are doing everything in our power to keep our community safe, we recognized that any businesses that want to apply for a sexually oriented business license in unincorporated Tarrant County now or in the future, they are going to have to play within those bumper rails and time constraints. And that’s a tool we thought was absolutely necessary to make sure this never happens again."

The recent amendments to the legislation stipulate that businesses categorized as sexually oriented must cease operations by 1 a.m. Furthermore, it is mandated that any parking facility linked to such a business must be devoid of vehicles by 1:15 a.m.

In addition, Tarrant County has set a hearing for June 21 concerning Temptations Cabaret. This impending deliberation could potentially culminate in the revocation of the club's operating permit.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, FOX 4 News