Rules OKd to Deter Prostitution in City
The City Council this week gave final approval to new regulations for modeling studios that also offer adult entertainment, and in particular, tanning salons that hold lingerie fashion shows.
The new rules are part of the city’s ongoing battle against businesses that pose as fronts for prostitution, after studies last year showed that half the city’s massage shops did.
Under the new regulations, modeling studio operators must obtain city permits, which can be revoked if they violate rules such as keeping doors open to inspection by authorities and ensuring that customers remain clothed. Also, employees must maintain a distance of four feet from customers.
The new rules will take effect in 30 days, and will overturn the existing moratorium on new tanning salons that hold lingerie shows. That ban was enacted in November when a businesswoman wanted to open such a shop, raising concern among city officials.
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