July 5, 2009
Naughty or nice? Adult store in Downtown Bakersfield raising concerns
By Amity Addrisi, Reporting
Local business owners say they are unhappy with a new store expected to open it's doors in Downtown Bakersfield.
The business will be located in a building on the corner of Chester Avenue and 20th street. is where the sensations lingerie and pipe shop is supposed to open. A temporary sign that hangs above the store advertises lingerie, adult movies, adult novelties, and much more. Merchandise some say is way too risque for Downtown. Eyewitness news found one man outside the store praying that God will keep it from opening. A feeling that seems to be shared by many shoppers we met Downtown Friday afternoon. We checked into the store and found out the owner, Karim Ali, has pulled a business license for a retail store. According to Bakersfield Police Zoning laws dictate that the store will only be allowed to use 25-percent of it's square footage for adult entertainment. If anymore space is used to sell those products, they would have to get an adult business license, which would probably not happen because of the stores proximity to Downtown Elementary School. There are also laws that restrict what kind of sign they can put up and what is displayed in the windows. We recently received an email on our Tip line from a viewer who is unhappy with the proposed store and wonders what Police can do. The Bakersfield Police Department says they can't stop it from opening but they will inspect the store when it opens and make sure the owner is obeying the laws. We have tried contacting the owner Karim Ali, but the number listed at the Treasures Office is disconnected. We did find out Ali has another store in Visalia, we left a message for him there. We will let you know what happens next. |
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