Adult novelty store sparks controversy

However, the business owners say they haven’t received the first complaint about their merchandise, which includes high-heel shoes, adult magazines, and pipes.

‘We’re trying to be more like Spencers, more like a fun store,’ said Elias Marrero Jr., who owns the store with Jenny Wright. ‘We know this is something different for this town.’

Added Wright, ‘There hasn’t been a single person who has walked in here who has complained. If anyone has a problem, they’re welcome to come in and tell us what’s offensive.’

The wide selection of pipes, which are popular among people who smoke marijuana, are labeled ‘for tobacco use only.’ McMinnville Police Major Bryan Denton said he has visited the store and spoke to the owners and indicates they are doing nothing illegal.

‘The way things are presented, there is no violation,’ said Denton. ‘But we’re going to continue to monitor them. That kind of shop, so close to a school on the most traveled road in McMinnville, I don’t like it in that location.’

McMinnville Building and Codes director Jim Brock says the city passed an ordinance in 1999 restricting adult-oriented businesses, but that Hanky Panky’s doesn’t fall under any of the categories that are prohibited.

‘We jumped right on it and we’re working to tighten up that loophole,’ said Brock, who has already drafted an amendment to the ordinance. However, Brock indicated Hanky Panky’s would likely be grandfathered in, meaning it wouldn’t have to abide by the restrictions of the amended ordinance at its current location.

McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport has a simple solution for anyone who doesn’t like the new store.

‘If people don’t like it and don’t give them business, then they probably won’t stay open long,’ said Davenport. ‘It’s like any other business. They have to abide by the codes and laws of the city. If they aren’t violating them, and as far as I know at this time they aren’t, there is nothing we can do.’

At least one Warren County resident is bothered by the fact Hanky Panky’s is located near Bobby Ray Elementary.

‘I cannot believe such a place could be allowed to open in the city, especially in such close proximity to a school and a church,’ said local resident Patricia Torres. ‘I find it very interesting city leaders have spent millions of dollars revamping downtown McMinnville to bring back the quaintness of our small town and are planning many different such projects for the future. Yet an adult-oriented business specializing in adult novelties and paraphernalia is allowed to open for business on North Chancery Street.’

Marrero and Wright say they have opened stores in other cities including Cookeville, Algood and Smithville. Wright says it’s been her experience that people often speak out against her store before visiting it.

‘We encourage people to come in and look before they make a judgment,’ said Wright. ‘There’s nothing out-of-this-world crazy in here.’

Under the terms of the 1999 ordinance, the following business endeavors were restricted inside McMinnville city limits:

‘ Adult-only bookstores

‘ Adult cabaret

‘ Adult entertaining centers

‘ Adult-only motion picture theaters

‘ Adult motels

‘ Massage parlors

‘ Rap parlors

‘ Saunas

The only segment of the ordinance in which Hanky Panky’s would be in possible violation is the first item pertaining to adult-only bookstores.

That segment defines such a business as having ‘a substantial or significant portion of its stock in trade, books, magazine, films for sale or viewing on premises by use of motion picture devices or other coin-operated means and other periodicals which are distinguished or characterized by the principal emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse, as defined below, or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale or display of such material for sale to patrons therein.’