New legislation in Utah portrays adult content as a public health hazard, as a theater is fined for showing Deadpool while serving alcohol.  Retailers, so far, seem confident the new crusade will not affect their businesses. 

Utah governor Gary R. Herbert has signed a resolution passed by the legislature that portrays adult material as a public health concern akin to alcohol and tobacco, creating a “sexually toxic environment.”  Supporters of the resolution want the state to take an active role in restricting access to adult content.  For example, State Senator Todd Weiler, chief sponsor of the legislation, argued at the signing that public libraries and businesses which offer free wifi were culpable. “If a library or a McDonald’s or anyone else was giving out cigarettes to our children, we would be picketing them,” he said. “And yet our children are accessing porn on their tablets at these sites, and we seem to be O.K. with that. It is not O.K.”

Perhaps he’s seen the data that Utah residents subscribe to online adult websites at the highest rate of any state, according to a Harvard study from 2009.

Salt Lake City comic stores contacted by ICv2 were unconcerned about the campaign.  “What people don’t understand is that it’s a non-binding resolution,” said Greg Gage, owner of Black Cat Comics. “It doesn’t affect us.”

David Landa, owner of Dr. Volt’s Comic Connection, shared similar sentiments. “I don’t believe so,” he said when asked if it would affect his business.

However, Salt Lake City movie theater Brewvies, a theater that serves food and alcohol, is being targeted for violating decency standards, specifically for showing Deadpool, which includes simulated sex and nudity, while also serving alcohol.

The Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control took the business to court, asking for a fine of up to $25,000 and the possible suspension or revocation of its liquor license for showing the R-rated Deadpool. The theater filed suit in federal court arguing that the statue is unconstitutional, and is currently running a go fund me campaign to raise money for the legal fees associated with fighting the court battle. 

Actor Ryan Reynolds, who played Deadpool, donated $5,000 to the campaign, according to EW, and took to Twitter to defend the theater, Tweeting, “Thank god, they've found a way to legislate fun.”