On Tuesday, March 8 at 1:30 p.m., the New Orleans Planning Commission will hold its first public hearing regarding Adult Live Performance Venues. The meeting will take place in the City Council Chambers.

Motion M-16-22 directed the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing and an extensive study regarding limitations on the number of such establishments, best practices of other cities, land use regulatory mechanisms, and use standards. The Commission is seeking input from industry representatives, local businesses, residents, and city leaders.

A recent collaborative law enforcement investigation temporarily suspended the liquor licenses of nine strip clubs cited for prostitution, drug dealing and lewd acts. These clubs represent 75% of the strip joints located in the French Quarter.

New Orleans is considered a major hub for human sex trafficking by national law enforcement and experts in the field.

Covenant House works with vulnerable and at-risk youth who are often taken advantage of and exploited. A Loyola University study estimated that 87 Covenant House residents per year are involved in human trafficking. This number jumps up to 150 residents per year if the sex industry and strip clubs are included.

NOBA joins Kay Bennett, Director of Baptist Friendship House, and Jim Kelly, Executive Director of Covenant House, in calling on the churches of the association to take an active role in this new City Planning Commission study. By showing up and being heard, we can help cast the vision for the future of Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, and the City as we approach the 300th anniversary of the New Orleans.

Start this Tuesday by joining business, industry and faith leaders, as well as local residents before the City Planning Commission.

Attend, pray, and speak!