LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish can’t prohibit strip clubs — the First Amendment protects them, officials said — but local leaders are taking steps to limit the businesses’ potential location availability away from residents and family oriented establishments.

“The Sheriff and I have been called to prohibit certain types of events with no teeth,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said. “This has been a work in progress. We don’t want to violate anybody’s rights, but we want to protect our community.”

St. John Council members unanimously approved an ordinance amendment establishing a 1000-feet buffer from adult businesses and locations with family oriented uses. Adult entertainment business looking to locate in St. John Parish would also be required to obtain a conditional use permit and St. John Parish Council approval.

The ordinance, approved Tuesday, ups St. John’s regulation of live adult, experience-oriented or theatrical entertainment businesses.

The operations — commonly referred to as strip clubs, peep shows or dirty movie theaters — have been the subject of a year-plus planning and zoning study seeking to install standards in line with residents’ expectations while respecting freedom of speech.

During Tuesday’s Parish Council meeting, three members of the clergy spoke against the adult businesses, including New Wine Christian Fellowship Pastor Neil Bernard.

“I am opposed to bringing in any kind of strip club, peep show or anything like that, which would be a detriment to our community,” Bernard told Council members. “I think, as councilmen, I would appreciate you continuing to push forward regulations that would prevent such businesses coming to the parish.”

Sheriff Mike Tregre also spoke in favor of increased regulation, saying the ordinance finally provides his office with regulations and ground rules that can be enforced.

“There have been occasions in St. John Parish where some have tried to slip in these types of events,” Tregre said. “We’re united in this effort to finally put something in place to keep St. John safe and make sure it is a family parish for all.”

Before the unanimous vote in favor of the new ordinance, Parish Councilman Larry Snyder asked those in attendance if they understood what Council members were voting on, alluding to possible misinformation circulating in the community.

Councilwoman Jaclyn Hotard said some community members were incorrectly under the impression the Council was taking action to make it easier for adult establishments to operate in St. John.

Council members did not identify the source of the misinformation.

Parish administrators have long said the ordinance’s goal is to make sure residential areas, as well as children- and family-oriented establishments, avoid the negative impact and property-value concerns associated with adult-themed businesses.

St. John previously received inquiries from business interests looking to open an adult-use paraphernalia retail store. Those requests were denied, as St. John’s existing ordinance prohibits the promotion and sale of obscene devices, offensive home videos, ‘X’ rated movies and offensive books and magazines.

Following those inquiries, interim standards were instituted while a comprehensive study was launched with input from community members and law enforcement.

Planning and Zoning Director Alexandra Carter said the current permit cost is $400, but that could change. Carter anticipates the ordinance taking effect for September.