NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Hustler Hollywood is not considered an essential business under Metro-Nashville's Safer at Home Order, according to city officials. But the adult store remains very much open.
How can that be when so many others are closed? It all comes down to how establishments do business.
Many are, of course, closed, but Hustler Hollywood is one of several that remain open thanks to curbside pickup.
The store in downtown Nashville sells primarily adult-only items. Customers can make orders over the phone, but can not go into the store.
In an interview on MorningLine, Dr. James Hildreth of Meharry Medical College offered general advice on how businesses can do this safely.
"I think it is perfectly fine to do curbside pick-up," said Dr. Hildreth. He is on Nashville's Coronavirus Task Force.
The key to safety is limiting human contact.
Customers service comes either with delivery or curbside pick-up. and even with that you want to be cautious.
"For example, if you are driving up to collect your food you may want to roll down the back window and place the food in the back seat as opposed to directly interacting with them," said Hildreth who adds that extra caution is a good thing.
City enforcement of the Stay at Home order continues. Metro health inspectors continue to follow up on complaints about non-essential businesses that open their doors to customers.
A few have received warnings, and most cooperate with the city mandate.
"They are trying to keep the economy open as much as they can as safely as they can," said Ralph Schulz, president of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.
He said it's a balancing act and Metro health officials are walking the line.
"They are trying to balance effectively keeping the economy going as well as protecting public safety."
To date, it seems to be working. Some non-essential businesses like Hustler Hollywood can remain open just as as long as they keep their doors closed and practice social distancing.
Inspectors do monitor on a weekly basis to make sure businesses comply with the order.
And while complaints continue, so far, no citations have been issued.
