Renton v. Playtime Theatres, Inc.
Renton v. Playtime Theatres, Inc. (1986) was a Supreme Court case about where adult movie theaters can operate. The City of Renton, Washington, passed an ordinance that banned adult theaters within 1,000 feet of residential areas, churches, parks, or schools. The owners argued the rule violated the First Amendment.
The Court held that the 1,000-foot restriction was a permissible, content-neutral time/place/manner regulation. In other words, it regulated where and when such theaters could operate, not the content of their films. The ruling upheld the ordinance as a legitimate way to reduce the negative effects associated with adult theaters.
The majority opinion was written by Justice Rehnquist and joined by Chief Justice Burger and Justices White, Powell, Stevens, and O’Connor. Justice Blackmun wrote a concurring opinion. Justice Brennan dissented, joined by Justice Marshall. The case had previously been decided by the Ninth Circuit, which had reversed and remanded. Key citation: 475 U.S. 41 (1986). Argue November 12, 1985; decided February 25, 1986.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:59 (CET).