X-Rated Book, Video Shop Causes Concern

-- DES MOINES

The city that has South King County's only full-time adult theater may soon be getting its first adult-entertainment book and video business.

Some have concerns about the business, but Des Moines City Attorney James Gorham said it is protected under the First Amendment.

NorthWest Galaxy Inc., doing business as Taboo Video, applied for a business license to operate the store on Pacific Highway South, where customers could buy and rent adult novelties, books and videos, as well as view adult videos in private booths.

The application was filed by Joseph Saxon of Bellevue, president of the company. Saxon declined to comment on it.

Another Taboo Video business in North King County has had lewd-conduct problems since 1990, according to Des Moines police.

"We're still conducting the background checks into the license application," said Sgt. John O'Leary.

According to King County officials, the North End store operates under a license granted to Jo Ha Co., doing business as Taboo Video. Joseph Saxon is listed as president.

City Planner Gloria Gould-Wessen said the highway commercial zone in Des Moines, where Saxon wants to establish a 5,000-square-foot store, allows for adult entertainment.

Since the the plan meets city requirements and would have no live entertainment, an unclassified-use permit is not required and it will not have to go through a public hearing.

"If he complies with our requirements, then he'll be licensed," Gould-Wessen said.

However, the police and fire departments, along with planning and other departments, still must approve the business license.