Opinion ID: 1922564
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Bangor Ordinances

Text: [¶ 13] Section 228-14 of the Bangor Code prohibits a commercial establishment from offering nude entertainment on its premises without first obtaining a certificate of occupancy. [5] BANGOR CODE § 228-14. This section also creates restrictions on the location of commercial establishments offering nude entertainment. It provides: No certificate of occupancy shall be granted for a commercial establishment offering nude entertainment if the premises concerned are located within 500 feet of any other such establishment for which a certificate of occupancy, previously issued, remains in force; any establishment licensed to sell alcohol ... under M.R.S.A. 28-A § 601 et seq.; a church, chapel, parish house or other place of worship; or a public library, juvenile shelter or orphanage.... BANGOR CODE § 228-14(D)(1)(a). In addition, such establishments must not be located within 500 feet of the nearest residential zoning district boundary or the nearest property line of any public or private school, school dormitory, or school ground, public playground or city park. BANGOR CODE § 228-14(D)(1)(b)-(c). [¶ 14] Section 61 prohibits those who choose to sell liquor from also presenting nude entertainment. BANGOR CODE § 61-17. In relevant part, section 61-17 provides: No licensee shall permit entertainment on the licensed premises ... when the entertainment involves: ... (c) The actual or simulated displaying of the genitals, pubic hair, buttocks, anus or any portion of the female breast at or below the areola area thereof. BANGOR CODE § 61-17(C)(1)(c). [¶ 15] The ordinances, in other words, allow the presentation of nude entertainment in Bangor, but regulate the location of such activity by prohibiting it in close proximity to schools, places of worship, and residential districts, and in commercial establishments holding a liquor license and a special amusement permit. As long as Diva's obtains a certificate of occupancy and is not licensed to sell alcohol on its premises, it is free to present nude entertainment within the areas of Bangor that are zoned for such activity. Therefore, section 228, which requires Diva's to obtain a certificate of occupancy, and section 61, which regulates the activities of liquor licensees holding special amusement permits, are properly analyzed as time, place, and manner regulations. See Renton, 475 U.S. at 46, 106 S.Ct. 925. Thus, in evaluating Diva's challenges to the two sections of the Bangor City Code, we first address the content neutrality of the ordinances.