PHILIPSBURG--Government's tolerance policy regulating sex companies and strip-clubs has been amended to increase the number of brothels from six to eight as of February 26. This was coupled with a "long term approach" to enact legislation that would bring tighter control to the adult entertainment industry.
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Franklin Meyers announced the amendment on Thursday in a press statement. The amendment did not affect the number of strip clubs allowed. That number remains at four.
Meyers told The Daily Herald on Friday that the decision to increase the number of allowed brothels was based on the pending licences requests for this type of business. He added that this does not mean the licences will just be handed out because government is working on legislation and a more streamlined approach to the adult entertainment industry.
The Executive Council of the former Island Territory of St. Maarten had approved the decision to approve a tolerance policy regulating sex companies and strip-clubs in 2003. It is this policy that has been amended.
Based on the amendment, the two additional brothels will be allowed 20 girls (dancers) and will be exempted from the requirement that they must have been in operation prior to August 1, 2002.
As for the introduction of new legislation for the adult entertainment industry, government will revise the Penal Code as it relates to prostitution; control and regulate the employment of prostitutes through a licensing system. The planned legislation will also impose more stringent and effective controls that would reduce abuse and provide adequate protection for the women working in this industry and to protect people from being coerced into the trade.
The to-be drafted law will seek to protect minors against sexual abuse, reduce prostitution by foreign nationals residing illegally in St. Maarten, and sever the links between prostitution and crime.
Government will also look at imposing proper zoning. Brothel locations must conform to zoning and urban renewal plans and to community/neighbourhood by-laws on the living and working environment.
According to Meyers' statement, the regulations on premises will specify the minimum size of working areas and govern safety, fire precautions and hygiene. For instance, every working area must be equipped with a panic button.
There will also be improved the medical and safety requirements.
Government will also look into regulations on the operation of brothels that govern the position and status of prostitutes, protecting their physical and mental integrity and review the quotas allowed per establishment.
A complete copy of the policy and amendments is available on the government website: www.sintmaartengov.org.
Copies can also be obtained from the Department of Records and Information Management (formerly Department of General Affairs) in the Government Administration Building.
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