Minneapolis city leaders are considering a significant shift in local regulations, potentially legalizing and regulating adult bathhouses and sex venues. The Minneapolis City Council has referred a package of four proposed ordinances to staff for review, according to city records.
Proposed Changes
The ordinances aim to establish a comprehensive framework for these establishments, including a licensing process, updated zoning regulations, revised health standards, and exceptions to existing indecency laws. The move comes alongside consideration of a separate ordinance that would decriminalize drug paraphernalia.
Council member Jason Chavez, in a statement reported by the Star Tribune, argued that “LGBTQIA+ gathering spaces, including bathhouses, have long been targeted by criminalization and policing, and our communities have paid a devastating price for that.” Several cities in Minnesota, including Duluth and St. Paul, currently allow bathhouses to operate with varying levels of oversight.
The proposed ordinances cover several key areas. One would create a new chapter in the city code specifically for adult sex venues, outlining business regulations. Another would amend zoning codes to eliminate stigmatizing language and reflect advances in preventative care. A third would revise health and sanitation codes related to contagious diseases and “high-risk sexual conduct.” A fourth ordinance would amend the city’s miscellaneous offenses code to add exceptions for licensed establishments.
Attorney Joe Tamburino cautioned that legalizing bathhouses could create legal risks for owners, potentially requiring waivers from patrons to avoid lawsuits.
The City Council is not expected to vote on the ordinances Tuesday, but is anticipated to direct staff to conduct further research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being considered by the Minneapolis City Council?
The Minneapolis City Council is considering a package of four ordinances that would legalize and regulate adult bathhouses and sex venues where consenting adults may engage in sexual activity.
Have bathhouses operated legally in Minneapolis before?
Yes, but the last bathhouse to operate legally in Minneapolis closed in 1988.
What concerns have been raised about legalizing bathhouses?
Attorney Joe Tamburino has stated that legalizing bathhouses poses legal risks for business owners and complicates the role of law enforcement.
How might these changes affect the city’s approach to public health and safety?
