Hearing is Wednesday on closing of adult store

Hearing is Wednesday on closing of adult store

Another court hearing on Ann Arbor officials’ efforts to put the city’s newest adult bookstore out of business is scheduled for next week. Hearings previously set for this week were adjourned.

Washtenaw County Circuit Judge Henry T. Conlin is to hear arguments at 2 p.m. Wednesday on whether the Danish News Co., 209 N. Fourth Ave., is violating his May 28 order to close. City Attorney R. Bruce Laidlaw is seeking a contempt of court citation against the bookstore, claiming it is continuing to operate in defiance of Conlin’s order.

The store closed for a short time following the order, but reopened last week. Owner Terry Shoultes of Lansing said he reopened the store because “I’m right, and I know I’m right, but I’m losing money every day I keep the store closed.” Shoultes’ lawyer is appealing Conlin’s order.

Laidlaw has accused Danish News of violating the city’s zoning and sign laws. The store is located just north of the zoning district boundary for adult entertainment businesses.