Breaking News
Concerns on youth access to adult store
Rebecca Woolley
16 April 2008
UNDERAGE teenagers could sneak up the stairs of a proposed adult shop in Manly and access explicit material while the sales assistant's back was turned, a court has heard.
Plans for Everything Adult, which wants to open in Roycroft Arcade near the Mayor's office and in view of a church, were rejected by Manly Council last December.
Yesterday the Land and Environment Court, which is considering an appeal by owner Aris Athans, heard there should be video surveillance to detect minors and barriers to section off explicit material.
Commissioner Robert Hussey said: "If the operator is out in the storeroom or stacking shelves at times when they consider it's not busy, underage people can get in there, which is undesirable."
He said during a brief site visit to nearby adult shop Good Vibrations, in The Corso, the owner very quickly entered and "denied us entry".
"That worked and would be the situation if younger people went up there," Mr Hussey said.
"This (Everything Adult) is a large area up the top. If there's only one person there is the risk of having people not authorised to go in."
Rick O'Gorman-Hughes, barrister for Mr Athans, said a buzzer could be placed near the entry to the store thereby alerting the staff member to people walking up the stairs.
Ms Colleen Schofield, solicitor for Manly Council, said there were further concerns about signage.
"The council's position is a more discreet sign in the arcade to be more appropriate ... rather than a sign on the awning in Sydney Rd," she said.
Ms Schofield said the area was not zoned residential but there were unit blocks and homes nearby.
Commissioner Hussey said he would make a decision about the matter on Friday.
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Please provide your full name. We also require a working email address - not for publication, but for verification. The location field is optional. Read our publication guidelines.
Submit your feedback here:
- So, who dragged this guy to safety?
- Six of the best
- Concerns on youth access to adult store
- Petrol fuels crime surge
- Months of bus corridor delays
- Out, but still smiling
- Gallop backs upgrade
- TV chief in a serious but stable condition
- My hobby has cost $300,000, but gives me a buzz
- Charge no. 2 for Murphy
- Alleged drug bust at Wharf
- If the suit fits, wear it with pride
- Ferries' drag on tourism
- Boss steps in to Slipper breach
- Calls for Games torch review
- Painting the pain away
- Readers support tougher grog laws
- Cameras taste just great to makos
- Operation mattress
- ICAC gives school closure the all-clear
