Theater owner challenges effort to shut down operation

(Tulsa-AP) -- The owner of a Tulsa adult movie theater is going to court, challenging the city's effort to shut down his operation. <br><br>A district judge yesterday issued a temporary restraining

Tuesday, November 21st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- The owner of a Tulsa adult movie theater is going to court, challenging the city's effort to shut down his operation.

A district judge yesterday issued a temporary restraining order that prevents Tulsa officials from enforcing their denial of two licenses for the cinema.

A hearing is set for January Fifth on a request by the Midtown Art Theater for an injunction to prevent the city from denying the licenses.

The City Council last week upheld an administrative decision not to issue sexually oriented licenses for the two screen theater. The action was requested by police who say they've made 14 arrests for illegal sexual activity at the theater over the past nine months.

The city renewed licenses for an adult bookstore that's located in the same building, saying the illegal activity occurred in the theaters.