By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer

(Nov. 23, 2017) Snow Hill Mayor Charlie Dorman criticized what he deemed inaccurate news coverage regarding the possibility of adult-oriented businesses opening in town during a council meeting last Tuesday.

The controversy began during a council work session on Oct. 30 when the town reached an agreement with Annette Gibbons-Tarr to host private parties featuring adult intimacy items.

“We had a discussion here at the last work session,” he said. “We explained to her the process we were going to do and it got completely blown out of proportion.”

Gibbons-Tarr is a sales consultant with Pure Romance, a global company with approximately 30,000 sales associates who sell sensual aids, lingerie, lubricants, skin creams and jewelry.

At the work session, Gibbons-Tarr was accompanied by attorney Michael Farlow, who explained that town official contacted his client roughly three months ago with concerns about the business.

“There were some issues with zoning code which I think you’re addressing overall,” Farlow said during the work session. “The town has been really receptive.”

In addition to holding gatherings at private residences, Farlow also received permission for Gibbons-Tarr to rent commercial spaces downtown for invitation only parties.

During the work session, Farlow noted Pure Romance corporate policy does not permit sales associates to establish permanent commercial spaces.

“I believe her corporate contract doesn’t allow her to have a storefront,” he said. “Even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t be able to try and rent a place for permanently displaying these items.”

Despite the apparent clarity, Dorman said sensationalized media reports ignited residents concerns that Snow Hill was on the verge of introducing a “red-light” district.

“It was totally wrong,” he said.

In light of the discussion surrounding adult-themed private parties, Dorman said the council asked code enforcement officer Jon Hill to prepare a draft for review by the planning commission to establish clear guidelines where adult oriented businesses would be permitted if subsequent requests occurred.

“Once it goes to the planning commission, it comes back to the council for our review and then we have a public hearing on it,” he said. “It’s far from being over.”