A citizens’ group is up in arms about an existing adult store and the opening of a second adult store in Rockdale and would like to see county code officials crack down on regulations.

Gary Houser, with the Citizens for Protecting Our Children group, spoke out during the public comments period at the May 28 Board of Commissioner meeting.

His contention is that the Starship store on Ga. Highway 138 and a second unrelated adult store called Elite A, also on Ga. Highway 138 near Golden Corral, were violating ordinance regulations since they did not have zoning that allowed an adult entertainment store.

Starship and Elite A’s business licenses lists them as a "gift, novelty and souvenir store" which means they can operate in commercial zoning. If 20 percent or more of its inventory is adult material, they would have to apply as an adult media store and operate in a manufacturing zoning area.

"The ordinances are being completely ignored," said Houser. The stores are specifically selling devices for sexual stimulation making them an adult device store, said Houser, which is prohibited in the county.

"You have an adult vice store that everyone seems to be protecting."

Houser said when he brought this to the attention of code and zoning officials, he was told that some items are novelty items that can be purchased at conventional stores.

"Butt plugs are not sold in Target, they’re not sold in Walmart," said Houser.

Walter Menzies, who heads Citizens for Protecting Our Children, said adult stores often attract illegal activity.