Public Notice

Draft Brothel Bylaw Amendment 2008

Summary of Information
The existing Upper Hutt Brothels Bylaw 2003 has been reviewed by the Upper Hutt City Council, as required by the Local Government Act 2002.  It is proposed to amend the Brothels Bylaw 2003.

The Council is authorised under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 to regulate the location of Brothels and associated signs within the City.  After consideration the Council has concluded that the most appropriate way to do this is by passing a Bylaw.  The Bylaw in its existing form is vulnerable to challenge in the High Court, this is the reason for the proposed amendments.  The proposed Bylaw does not contravene the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

The draft Bylaw amends the existing bylaw as follows:
 

1. Reduces the buffer zone to 100m
2. Allows a sole sex worker to operate from his or her own home
3. Permits brothels in limited areas of the CBD
4. Allows the Upper Hutt City Council to remove signs in breach of the Bylaw

The Council now wishes to consult with the community in relation to the draft Upper Hutt City Brothels Bylaw Amendment 2008 in terms of Section 86 of the Local Government Act 2002.

Submissions on the proposal closed on Monday 8th December 2008.