Do governments have legitimate interests in regulating SOBs?
In Renton and Young, the Court concluded “…that municipalities have a substantial interest in protecting and preserving the quality of life for its community against the adverse secondary effects of SOBs….” – regardless of the size of the community. Question: Is the theory of a relationship between SOBs and crime a scientific fact? Answer: Pursuant to a criminological theory of crime risk known as the “routine activity theory of hotspots (hotspot theory),” it is a scientific fact that SOBs pose ambient (i.e. surrounding area) crime risks. Question: What is the hotspot theory? Answer: The theory is the product of three factors: 1. SOBs draw patrons from a wide geographic area (catchment areas) 2. These patrons are disproportionately male, open to vice overtures, and are reluctant to report victimizations to the police. They are “soft targets.” 3. The high degree of soft targets at these sites attracts predatory criminals. These criminals lure or lull potential victims. Simply put, S
