East Bay, Rhode Island- Adam and Eve, a well-known adult shop that carries lingerie and other adult novelties has gotten tentative permission to open on Route 6, near the go-cart track and movie theater. According to selectmen, anything other than lingerie is illegal by zoning law in that part of town. (The Adult Store on 44, a similar shop, was grandfathered in to zoning law and allowed to remain open on Taunton Avenue.)
Town Administrator Paul Lemont said from what he understood from the owners, this shop would feature only apparel. Any other items would be available, but strictly through catalog and Internet order. Patrons could order these items from the store, but would have them delivered to their homes, not the business.
Selectman David Viera said the zoning laws needed to be specified on any permits Adam and Eve would seek, stating he would not stand for other novelties to be sold in that part of town. He said the only area zoned for a novelty store is further down Route 6, near the Speedway. A sign in front of the plaza where Adam and Eve is slated to call home states the store sells “novelties, DVDs and lingerie.”
According to an Adam and Eve corporate representative, most stores do offer both lingerie and novelties, along with DVDs. However, the representative added that inventory is up to individual franchise owners.
Manny Frontino, the owner of this franchise, spoke with the Star but asked his comments not be used. At the moment, plans for the store, which was set to open soon, are on hold, and Mr. Frontino is being advised by an attorney.
Building inspector Mike Chrisafulli said he notified Mr. Frontino of the problem as soon as he became aware of it, when he was reviewing the permit application.
“I called him right away,” he said, adding that he gave Mr. Frontino a permit for lingerie sales only.
“I only approved a lingerie store,” he said. Anything else would not be in the proper zone. “That’s not what was approved…it’s not going to happen in this town.” On Monday, March 26, Mr. Chrisafulli said someone was taking down the Adam and Eve sign that advertises novelties and DVDs.
There is an adult DVD store nearby, but the only other store that sells novelties is the one located in Route 44.
Other stores in the plaza include Fox Kitchens (yet to open), West Marine (specializing in boating equipment) and Mattress Discounters. Jay Ptaszenski, manager at Mattress Discounters, said he believed his potential new neighbors could be beneficial by drawing more people to the plaza.
“I think it would probably help our business,” he said, adding that the “young people” who visit his store are generally in their 20s, not teenagers, and therefore their clientele would likely not pose a legal problem for any adults-only stores.