What is the purpose of a zoning ordinance against adult establishments?

The purpose of a zoning ordinance against adult establishments primarily revolves around managing the location and presence of such establishments in a municipality to mitigate potential secondary effects on the surrounding community. Local governments often implement zoning ordinances to regulate the distance of adult establishments from sensitive areas such as schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods.

This approach allows municipalities to control the demographic effects, such as increased crime rates or diminished property values, that may be associated with adult entertainment venues without completely banning them. By designating specific zones where these businesses can operate, local authorities aim to balance freedom of expression with the community's interest in maintaining a certain quality of life.

In contrast, completely eliminating adult establishments is typically not permissible under First Amendment protections. Defining adult establishments legally is part of zoning and regulatory efforts but is not the primary purpose of such ordinances. Imposing fines on operators may be a consequence of noncompliance with zoning laws, but it does not capture the overall aim of a zoning ordinance. Thus, the focus is clearly on the management of location and potential impacts on the community, which aligns with the correct answer.