Atlanta Board of Zoning Adujstments Targets Tokyo Valentino Shop

ATLANTA—The Atlanta Board of Zoning Adjustment and the city government are targeting a boutique location of controversial adult chain Tokyo Valentino for a variety of zoning violations, reports the Atlanta local edition of Axios. AVN reported in July 2020 that authorities in Marietta, Ga., forced the Tokyo Valentino location in the suburban fringe community outside Atlanta to shut down for code violations. The city council in Marietta revoked the business license for the store.  Now, in Atlanta proper, the boutique chain's location at the Chesire Bridge Road area is reportedly violating laws by offering illegal adult video booths and a sex club. WSB-TV, a local news station, reported earlier this month that neighbors of the adult boutique see Tokyo Valentino customers having sex behind vacant buildings in plain view of several adjacent apartment communities. The board issued Tokyo Valentino's leadership a cease-and-desist warning for permitting sexual activity "outside of the building within plain view of residential structures," reports Axios. This location is not zoned for such an activity. Counsel representing Tokyo Valentino filed an appeal with the Board of Zoning Adjustment alleging violations of the boutique's First Amendment rights. The appeal was denied, however. A city councilperson representing the Atlanta area where this Tokyo Valentino location is operating expects a legal battle between the adult boutique chain and the city government. Michael Morrison, the owner of Tokyo Valentino, told Axios that "this will undoubtedly be solved in a federal court." Speaking on the onsite club hosted at that location, Morrison said that the lifestyle club doesn't serve alcohol and is regarded as a safe place for members of the local LGBTQ+ community. Sexual activity is prohibited, and this location of Tokyo Valentino removed video booths from the premises. Morrison believes the only reason why Atlanta is cracking down on his Chesire Bridge Road location is due to a fatal shooting in March at a vacant bakery building adjacent to the store. Reportedly, Morrison owns this vacant building and wants to turn it into a massage parlor. He filed a permit with the Board of Zoning Adjustments, but his request was denied. This is one of the reasons why he claims coming legal action against the city of Atlanta. Tokyo Valentino operates locations across the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. Boutique locations in Marietta and Duluth, Ga., are temporarily closed due to regulatory restrictions in those local communities. This is a developing story.