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While an investigation is underway into a new gentleman’s club with strippers in Regina to see if it’s breaking any bylaws, the city is also looking to address concerns with certain massage parlours.
Police are concerned about prostitution and are working closely with the city in preparing a report for council on how to handle these businesses.
Chief Evan Bray made a clear distinction, this isn’t about registered massage therapy or rehabilitation massage.
“These are massage parlours that are, for all intents and purposes, offering sexual services,” said Bray.
He believes there are upwards of 20 of these massage parlours in Regina.
The law surrounding prostitution changed in 2014, making it illegal to purchase sexual services but not illegal to sell it. That took away a charge for police to use on businesses like these massage parlours, making them tougher to enforce.
“These businesses aren’t jumping up and down to provide us statements that someone is coming in there, purchasing sexual services,” said Bray.
The chief explained his main concern is to ensure the people who work there are not being exploited, a victim of human trafficking or missing.
“The goal of the bylaw is really to enhance the health and safety of not just the neighbourhood but also the vulnerable people who are employed in these environments,” said Bray.
The report is expected to reach city council later this fall. Mayor Michael Fougere said it will look at enforcement, whether there should be a licensing system and a way to address zoning to determine where these massage parlours are located and where they should be.