Nelson's brothels bylaw to set limits

A new bylaw being drafted by the Nelson City Council will stop brothels setting up in residential areas.

Nelson Mayor Paul Matheson said he and police had met the owner of an inner-city establishment to discuss the prostitution reform laws and how they would work in Nelson.

"We pointed out the council's position was 'no' to residential areas."

But it would consider allowing some to establish in light industrial and commercial areas under a proposed new bylaw, he said.

The owner declined to comment on the meeting, but Mr Matheson said the owner had agreed with the steps being taken by the council because it was "for the greater protection of the city".

"I think what we all fear is someone starting up a chain of brothels, like McDonald's or Burger King."

Mr Matheson said the council had no idea how many brothels there were in Nelson because they tended to be small and discreet.

The council was "a bit lost" about what it could do with those already operating in residential areas if they didn't identify themselves.

It is awaiting advice from Local Government New Zealand, which has set up a working party to consider how councils can respond to the reforms.

Tasman police district commander Superintendent Grant O'Fee said police still had a responsibility under the new laws to inspect premises and ensure no one under 18 was involved in the industry.

- NZPA