Many video renters recognize back-room hallways as the place that shields them from the embarrassment of renting an adult movie -- but to video rental stores, that long hallway is usually there to keep kids out.

A-Z Video Superstores, 176 Rolling Ridge Drive, has adult videos available for rental. A-Z manager Marvin Snider estimates that 15 percent of the rentals are adult videos.

Video Center, 304 W. College Ave., also features adult movies. Bill Kelley, owner of Video Center, estimated that between 10 and 15 percent of the rentals are of adult videos.

Video Center has about 500 adult movies in its collection, Manager Sue Kelley said.

But for some stores, having an adult section isn't possible because displaying the films for rental is a sticky isssue.

Renee Ponchione (senior-special education) said she wonders about the problems that displaying adult videos may cause for families.

"I don't think that it would cause a problem for students, but adults that live in the area might have a problem," Ponchione said. "Parents are scared of children seeing too much."

To avoid problems, A-Z displays its adult videos in a back room "where no one can see -- no kids," Snider said.

Video Center places its adult videos in a back corner and they check identification to make sure that adult movies are only rented by customers over the age of 17, Kelley said.

For other video rental stores, such as Mike's Video, maintaining a family image is more important than additional profit.

"We're a very family-oriented store," said Tracey Corman, manager of Mike's Movies & Music, 1613-B N. Atherton St. "We feel we're doing OK without an adult section. Why rock the boat?"