Proposal would eliminate X-rated newsracks on Strip

Boxes offering up publications of scantily clad women could become a thing of the past along the Strip.

Clark County Manager Don Burnette is recommending that commissioners prohibit newsracks for all kinds of publications on that part of Las Vegas Boulevard South.

The idea has support among some commissioners but also sets the stage for a potential federal court battle with the industry that promotes strip clubs and escort services.

Eddie Munoz, owner of Strip Advertising, has about 450 newsracks along the Strip and said a lawsuit would become necessary if the proposal passes.

“We’ll be fighting this in federal court,” he said.

“This is just an attempt to put us out of business.”

The idea comes after the county’s pedestrian study of the resort corridor, finished in 2012, which analyzed the flow of pedestrians and potential obstructions on the Strip.

Burnette is also recommending that commissioners take no action on a different proposed newsrack ordinance that would have required a uniform style for the boxes.

“Instead, staff will be recommending that the Board move forward with the prohibition of newsracks on the Strip,” Burnette wrote in an email to commissioners Thursday.

“Staff believes this measure is consistent with the above stated recommendation to reduce the number of permanent obstructions in the pedestrian right-of-way, thereby improving pedestrian movement and reducing the congestion experienced on the Strip.”

In an interview, Burnette said the proposal is tied to improving pedestrian flow in a variety of ways — not targeting newsracks because of their content.

The newsracks are just part of the recommendation. Other parts call for moving about 33 fire hydrants, removing or relocating all trash cans and possibly relocating traffic signal equipment and traffic signs that might slow foot traffic in pedestrian walkway areas.

Commissioner Mary Beth Scow said the changes are needed to get rid of obstructions for visitors.

“I think it will be a noticeable difference when it’s done,” she said.

Commissioners will hear the recommendations at their March 5 board meeting.

For his part, Munoz said his company is vigilant about cleaning graffiti off the newsracks.

“They all look nice out there,” he said.

Munoz and other newsrack owners pay an annual fee to the county of $65 for each newsrack. In his case, it amounts to nearly $30,000 a year.

Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak said he has been a strong backer of changes along the Strip to aid pedestrian flow.

“The ultimate goal is the same — making the Strip as safe as possible,” he said.

Sisolak acknowledged that a challenge in court is possible but doesn’t consider the proposal an infringement on free speech.

“It’s not a First Amendment issue,” he said. “It’s all newsracks. That’s certainly the point of the ordinances.”

Tod Story, interim executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, said his organization would need to look at the proposal and its intention first before taking a stance.

“We would definitely keep an eye on this to see what the goal of this proposal is to make sure it’s not infringing on free speech,” he said.

Newsrack supporters and opponents have more than a month to give feedback to the county.

If county commissioners are interested in moving forward on the proposal, a proposed ordinance would be introduced at their March 19 meeting. A public hearing and vote could take place as early as April.

Contact reporter Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal. com or 702-455-4519.