Proposed Brothel Bylaw to go to consultation

Christchurch City Council today unanimously resolved to consult on a proposed bylaw that would restrict the location of brothels and control signage advertising commercial sexual services.

The bylaw proposes restricting brothels, other than small owner-operator brothels, to specific  commercial areas in Christchurch and Lyttelton (refer to maps beginning on page 14).

Signage provisions are largely consistent with the previous bylaw and would only be allowed in the mapped areas and prohibited elsewhere.

Small owner-operator brothels (SOOBs) as defined in the Prostitution Reform Act, would continue to be permitted across the city. This is in line with the High Court’s ruling on the Council’s Christchurch City Brothels (Location and Signage) Bylaw 2004.

Mayor Bob Parker says the Council has decided there is a need for a bylaw as many of the known brothels were located in the Central City and their business premises are inaccessible or badly damaged following the 2011 earthquakes.

"These businesses may wish to temporarily or permanently relocate to other parts of the city. At the moment there are no controls around where a brothel can set up in the city. This proposed bylaw will provide controls on where brothels, other than SOOBs, can operate, and will send a clear signal as to what is acceptable, and where," he says.

A full special consultative procedure (SCP) process will be held. Consultation with the community will begin 11 June to 10 July. Details of the consultation process will be available from 11 June online at www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay/

Hearings, if necessary, will be held in July 2012, with a final decision likely to be released by September 2012.