Controversial adult bookstore rejected for business license

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001 | 6:21 a.m.

Washoe County Commissioners refused on Tuesday to overturn the denial of a permanent license to the owners of Suzie's Adult Bookstore.

The lawyer for Sacramento, Calif.-based Janra Enterprises asked the county to reconsider the license because planning officials already had approved a temporary permit after confirming the area's zoning with the city of Reno last summer.

The decision came amid new allegations by Janra's lawyer that county attorney Madelyn Shipman had worked with the store's lawyer to change a county ordinance that prohibited the opening of an adult business on a major highway.

Shipman denied involvement, saying she had never discussed the location or the stores operations with the company.

Dozens of area residents formed an alliance to fight the store's location, which they claim sits near several schools and homes. Reno fire and city officials had the store closed in October after determining electrical work had not been properly inspected.

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