DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – A federal judge struck down Daytona Beach’s anti-nudity laws, saying they are unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge John Antoon decided Friday that Daytona Beach’s laws prohibiting public nudity and nudity in places that sell alcohol violate the First and 14th amendments’ protections of free speech and equal protection.
Daytona Beach also failed to prove its claim that adult nightclubs create secondary negative impacts on levels of crime, prostitution and illegal drug activity in neighborhoods, Antoon wrote.
“We won on every single issue,” said Daniel Aaronson, a Fort Lauderdale attorney representing Lollipops Gentleman’s Club in its federal lawsuit.
City officials said they plan to study the judge’s ruling and ask the City Commission about a possible appeal.
Public nudity has been an issue at some of the city’s large gatherings, such as Biketoberfest and Spring Break.
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