New Adult Toy Store Raises Eyebrows, Concerns

It’s bright. It’s red. It will bare a bold name yet to appear on the marquis: Taboo Adult Superstore, specializing in adult novelties and toys. Chiropractic doctor, Andrew Fields, who owns a health clinic a few hundred feet away, believes he speaks for surrounding businesses when he says the store—which the owner stresses provides novelty items—shouldn’t open its doors in the 4600 block of Devine Street in Columbia. He also believes the establishment amounts to a porn shop. “It’s just not a positive development,” Fields said. I have kids and on a Saturday afternoon, in the neighborhood, if we stopped in for some fried chicken (a Church’s Fried chicken is next door), I wouldn’t want my kids watching old men, or whoever, is patronizing the business walking in or out.” He questions how such businesses shouldn’t be allowed to just pop up next door without notifying other businesses in the area. However, according to City of Columbia zoning administrator, Johnathan Chambers, says once a business is approved, there is no notification process required. “This establishment is licensed to operate as a sexually oriented business.” While Chambers says he has fielded several calls from people complaining about the store, owners have a right to be there because they have met all necessary requirements. ABC Columbia News spoke with the owner of Taboo Adult Superstore by phone. He denied an on-camera interview. When we asked him to respond to the negative feedback from businesses regarding his location, he said, “The name of the store speaks for itself.” The business, which is expected to be open 24 hours a day, plans to open next week.