Added Fee for Sexually Oriented Businesses
Plain English Summary
This bill imposes a $10 fee per customer entry at sexually oriented businesses that serve alcohol in North Carolina. The fees would be collected quarterly by businesses and deposited into the Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Center Fund to support sexual assault services.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this fee addresses secondary harms they believe result from combining alcohol with sexually explicit entertainment, such as increased public safety and health concerns. They contend the revenue generated—directed to sexual assault crisis centers—would provide meaningful funding for victim services and support while the fee structure avoids targeting the businesses' expressive content itself.
Arguments Against
Opponents may argue the fee functions as a targeted tax on a specific legal industry and could be viewed as punitive or discriminatory. Critics might also question whether a $10 per-entry fee is the most effective way to address claimed secondary impacts, and whether the causal connection between these businesses and sexual assault justifies dedicating the revenue specifically to sexual assault services rather than other community needs.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 64
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 111
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 33
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 105
