Green light for UK brothels?

2004-07-16 19:31

London - Brothels in Britain could be decriminalised and given official licences under proposals published by the government on Friday.

"Licensing arrangements and other relevant regulations could be set up so that local authorities could control prostitution in their areas," said the home office in a consultation paper.

The government also proposed registration of sex workers and "tolerance zones" for street prostitution.

The consultation paper said there was already enthusiasm for creating managed zones for prostitution in several parts of England, including Liverpool and Doncaster in the north.

"In both the places it is suggested that managed areas could bring significant benefits, providing greater safety and fewer stigmas for those who engaged in prostitution by choice," the paper said.

Asking for the public's opinion

"What is proposed is a formalised 'red light' area, where those involved in prostitution and their users are permitted to trade in a defined area regularly monitored by the police and provided with drop-in health services and other facilities."

But the government's report ruled out a previous proposal that call girls under 18 should no longer be treated as offenders.

"We believe there are compelling arguments for retaining this offence in respect of those under 18 to underline the message that prostitution involving children and young people is wholly unacceptable," said the consultation paper.

The government is asking the public to offer its views on the proposals by November.

- AFP