Regina city council approves licensing massage parlours after contentious debate - Regina Leader-Post

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Coun. Andrew Stevens (Ward 3) said during presentations there was much talk of the legality, and alleged illegality, of licensing massage parlours.

Stevens said Ontario provincial courts have often sided against attempts to ban escort and body rub services. “Everyone is talking about the law, but the courts are siding with decriminalization,” said Stevens.

“Without a licensing program, businesses would be able to operate within the industrial zone without any regulations focused on safety and mechanism for the city and police to know who’s working in these businesses,” said Werry.

Werry said licensing and regulating a business would give the city additional authority to investigate and monitor businesses to ensure they comply with existing bylaws.

Ward 9 Coun. Jason Mancinelli said he struggled with the decision to vote for or against licensing massage parlours. Mancinelli touched on changes to the current federal laws targeting Johns, instead of sex workers themselves, while speaking with delegations.

The councillor went on to say historically sex workers have been on the fringes of society, and as such, vulnerable.

“I stare at a chance to bring them within society,” he said.

Massage parlours are already relegated to heavy- and light-industrial zones in Regina. Ward 6 Coun. Joel Murray asked about what notification would have be given to a massage parlour prior to an inspection.

Werry said reasonable notice had to be given, not 24 hours as some delegates had stated.

Coun. Barbara Young (Ward 1) emphasized that this was a harm reduction model and that current tactics and bylaws are not working. She said for police, licensing and monitoring could help to stamp out illegality.

“They have to have evidence of criminal activity in order to go in,” said Young. Outside of lengthy sting operations, licensing could provide oversight which would make enforcement easier.

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