North Carolina § 18B-1005 - 1. Sexually explicit conduct on licensed premises.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 18B-1005 — 1. Sexually explicit conduct on licensed premises., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18B-1005. 1. Sexually explicit conduct on licensed premises.
It shall be unlawful for a permittee or his agent or employee to knowingly allow or engage in any of the following kinds of conduct on his licensed premises: Any conduct or entertainment by any person whose genitals are exposed or who is wearing transparent clothing that reveals the genitals; Any conduct or entertainment that includes or simulates sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, oral copulation, flagellation, or any act that includes or simulates the penetration, however slight, by any object into the genital or anal opening of a person's body; or Any conduct or entertainment that includes the fondling of the breasts, buttocks, anus, vulva, or genitals. Supervision. - It shall be unlawful for a permittee to fail to superintend in person or through a manager the business for which a permit is issued. Exception. - This section does not apply to persons operating theaters, concert halls, art centers, museums, or similar establishments that are primarily devoted to the arts or theatrical performances, when the performances that are presented are expressing matters of serious literary, artistic, scientific, or political value. History (2003-382, s. 2.) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2003-382, provides in its preamble: "Whereas, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina has issued a preliminary injunction, in the case of Carandola v. Bason, enjoining the State of North Carolina from enforcing regulations which prohibit certain sexually explicit conduct on premises licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission; and "Whereas, the federal District Court concluded that the regulations are likely to be held to be unconstitutional; and "Whereas, upon review of the federal District Court decision in Carandola, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has found that the federal District Court did not abuse its discretion, and has allowed the injunction to remain in place; and "Whereas, the Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has stated that entertainment such as nude or topless dancing at bars and clubs has 'a long history of spawning deleterious effects,' including 'prostitution and the criminal abuse and exploitation of young women'; and "Whereas, the General Assembly has reviewed studies of the secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses that have been conducted in locations across the United States, including: Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Austin, Texas; New York City, New York; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and other cities; and "Whereas, studies show that negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses include increases in crime, such as prostitution, drug offenses, assaults, and sex crimes; and "Whereas, it is not the intent of the General Assembly to suppress the conduct of entertainment at premises licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, but it is the desire of the General Assembly to address the harmful secondary effects of such entertainment, including higher crime rates, public sexual conduct, sexual assault, prostitution, and other secondary negative effects; and "Whereas, it is the intent of the General Assembly to prohibit entertainment at premises licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission that provides an atmosphere conducive to violence, sexual harassment, public intoxication, prostitution, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases; Now, therefore." Session Laws 2003-382, s. 4, makes this section effective August 1, 2003.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 18B-1005
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 18B-1005 cover?
Section 18B-1005 ("1. Sexually explicit conduct on licensed premises.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 18B-1005?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 18B-1005" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 18B-1005 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.