New Rotorua bylaw could block city centre brothels

Changes to Rotorua District Council's brothel bylaw might have made it impossible for new brothels to be set up in the city.

Council staff are investigating what effects the changes are having on the industry in Rotorua.

At a meeting in December, councillors moved that the distance between brothels and schools, churches and other educational and religious establishments be extended from 100m to 150m. The restrictions are similar to those in Auckland.

The distance between individual brothels was also extended to 150m. Brothels are not allowed within 50m of a bank, post office, hotel, motel, local or central government office.

The increase in distance has raised concerns that it will become impossible for brothels to be set up anywhere within Rotorua's central business district - the only area where the bylaw allows them to operate.

The council's environmental services director, Nigel Wharton, confirmed yesterday that staff were checking the logistics of the changes.

Mr Wharton said staff wanted to find out what the increased distance meant.

"We have to make sure it doesn't deny any [new brothels] opportunities."

If staff found there were problems with the bylaw it could always be changed, Mr Wharton said.

When the distance was extended in December, Councillor Cliff Lee said he was concerned the bylaw was becoming "too restrictive" and might be challenged legally.

- NZPA