Wicomico County, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Chapter 170, Article II, Adult-Oriented Entertainment Establishments, was adopted February 13, 1992 by Bill No. 1992-6. Section 170-10 defines the covered businesses broadly: adult bookstores and any premises arranged with booths, rooms, cubicles, compartments or stalls separated from common areas for viewing adult-oriented entertainment, defined as exhibitions emphasizing specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. Section 170-11 sets detailed construction and operational standards for every such booth: it must be accessible only from public aisles with no door, curtain or lock; separated from adjacent booths and any nonpublic area; positioned for a totally unobstructed view from where staff can monitor activity; video screens hidden from the public area; walls solid, light-colored and extending six feet from the floor; floors light-colored and easily cleanable; public-room lighting at a minimum of 20 footcandles; and only one occupant permitted per booth at a time.

Section 170-11D makes it unlawful for an occupant to engage in sexual activity, cause bodily discharge or litter inside a booth, or for anyone to damage or deface one, and makes an operator or employee equally liable for allowing such conduct. Section 170-12 bars any employee, operator, owner or agent from letting a minor enter, loiter around or view adult-oriented entertainment, and requires the operator to keep the premises clean, properly lit and in compliance. Section 170-13 holds owners responsible for violations committed by their employees or operators.

Enforcement rests with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department, which under § 170-16 may enter any such establishment at all reasonable times, including normal business hours, to inspect and enforce the article.