Sex Toy Retailer's Suit Reveals Approved Locations

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The owner of Taboo has just received the secret list.

That list, containing 42 addresses where a sexually oriented business can operate under Columbia's latest zoning ordinances, was just handed over to the sex toy and novelty store.

Taboo, Columbia's only licensed adult retailer, had been asking for the list, but city officials would not release it until the owners filed a federal lawsuit challenging the city’s zoning and licensing ordinances for adult businesses.

Shortly after Taboo opened in December of 2011, city dramatically limited where adult businesses can operate.

After losing a recent appeal to extend its license, Taboo filed suit at U.S. District Court, accusing the city of violating owner Jeff White's civil rights by using arbitrary and shifting tactics to force his business to close.

White testified this week in a court hearing that he had written letters and sent emails to the city asking for alternative sites in anticipation of moving. But the city was uncooperative, he said.

Columbia city official Krista Hampton testified that the city has 45 parcels where an adult business could locate. She noted the sites total more than 140 acres of available space for sexually oriented businesses and that some were sub-divided.

“To no surprise to me, 38 of the 42 sites are not available for sale or lease,” White told the court, noting that he found four locations on the list that violate the latest zoning requirements because they are too close to churches or neighborhoods.

Taboo has filed an injunction against Columbia over enforcement of its sexually oriented business ordinance.

View Taboo's original suit

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Stephen Colbert Takes Aim at Texas' Crackdown on Sex Toys

Stephen Colbert is cracking up over Texas lawmakers’ crackdown on sex toys in the state.

XR Brands 'Silicone Body Forms' Highlighted at Paris Fashion Week

XR Brands’ Ripped Silicone Male Chest and Perky Pair Silicone Breasts were highlighted at 2025 Paris Fashion Week.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Eye of Love Introduces 'Matchmaker Collection' Display Planogram

Eye of Love has debuted a new display planogram for its Matchmaker Collection of pheromone-infused scents.

Fleshlight Debuts Taylor Vixxen Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Pro stroker, molded on the anatomy of Taylor Vixxen.

Orion Expands 'LateX' Collection With 2 New Outfits

Orion Wholesale has added two new outfits to its LateX collection of fetish apparel.

Blush Debuts 'Unicorn Dreams' Vibrator

Blush has introduced the new Unicorn Dreams vibrator from its Play With Me collection.

Ofcom Fines OnlyFans Parent Company Over Inaccurate Age Verification Reporting

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom has fined OnlyFans parent company Fenix International Ltd. $1.36 million for inaccurate reporting of its age verification measures.

Cyberskin Debuts 4 New Strokers

Pleasure brand Cyberskin has introduced four new strokers.

Chappell Roan Gives Shout Out to Womanizer on 'Call Her Daddy' Podcast

Chappell Roan gave a shout-out to Womanizer during her guest appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, hosted by Alex Cooper.

Show More