Welcome to Hoover, Alabama where you can enjoy fine dining, family fun, and for some, the convenience of an adult novelty store and firearms shop within just hopping distance of each other.
However, with these two next-door neighbors come stipulation and a bit of controversy.
With the way the law in Alabama is written, a law-abiding adult is allowed to purchase a full line of tactical weapons at Hoover Tactical Firearms, but just next door at Love Stuff, the law forbids that same adult from purchasing certain sexual devices for personal pleasure.
The Code of Alabama Section prohibits the sale of what's commonly known as sex aids unless the purchaser intends to use them for medical, educational, or judicial purposes. It's a notion that surprises some adults.
"Priorities are somewhat skewed and maybe the law needs to re-examine for accuracy and importance,” says Ellen Hermann.
"I had no idea that there were certain sex toys that you couldn't buy, so, I’m kind of stomped on that one,'' adds Katrina Wilson.
It also highly displeases the CEO for the company that owns Love Stuff, Ross Winner.
"They can walk next door and buy a shot gun and no problem, but yet when we want to sell something to enhance your marriages and to a consenting adult that we've checked their id and we comply with the state of Alabama’s requirement, we're still being prosecuted," Winner says.
Still, there are those who believe the law currently in place is in the best interest of Alabamians.
"Guns for hunting is okay and that's my opinion, and the sex stuff, they ought to do away with it completely, because a lot of children gets a hold of it," says Karen Wyatt.
Peyton Zarzour with Hoover Tactical Firearms says the comparison is like apples and oranges, and explains he too put strict regulations on the purchase of his merchandise.
"A background check is done immediately and if you pass that background check then you're allowed to take the gun, otherwise, you can't buy a firearm," says Zarzour.
Numbers show that 51 percent of divorces in Alabama are linked to financial reasons, while 47 percent are related to sexual incompatibility. Winner says there's no doubt his company will continue to comply with the law, but he doesn't feel that customers should have to present a certain reason to buy their merchandise.
As for failed marriages, he says some of them could possibly be reduced if the regulations were lifted.
