News: Ungaretti & Harris Zoning Attorneys Instrumental in Shutting Down Adult Bookstore

The City of Marshall, Illinois ended a nearly two-decade long battle last week when it entered into a settlement agreement with Illinois One News, Inc., owner of an adult-oriented novelty store known as “The Gift Spot.” The agreement provided that The Gift Spot must cease operation by the end of November and that all external signage must be removed or covered within 30 days.

The agreement also provided that Illinois One News will not operate or permit to be operated any adult use business on the property or any business in which their owner has any interest in or any other business that is substantially similar to The Gift Spot.

The settlement agreement ends a long legal battle between The Gift Spot and the City of Marshall, which fought to close the store given its location at the city’s entrance from Interstate 70 and the detriment it provided to the city's image.

“We are extremely pleased that this matter has finally been resolved and that the City of Marshall has prevailed in its efforts to remove an unwanted adult use from an important gateway into the City,” said Land Use, Zoning and Eminent Domain Practice Chair Ronald S. Cope, who represented the City along with Litigation Partner Jamie A. Robinson.