Two Mentone massage parlours found to be illegal brothels

TWO illegal brothels masquerading as massage parlours on busy shopping strips in Mentone have been busted by investigators.

Florence Massage was declared a proscribed brothel at Moorabbin Magistrates' Court.

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TWO illegal brothels masquerading as massage parlours on busy shopping strips in Mentone have been shut down and a third is due before the court.

Florence Massage, which was next door to a school uniform shop on Florence St, and QJY Massage on Nepean Highway, Mentone were investigated by Kingston Council after complaints from the public.

Independent investigators uncovered illegal activities on site and the businesses were declared unlicensed brothels at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on July 3 and July 25.

Haris Anis, director of the Think Sew store across the road from Florence Massage, said he had suspected the parlour was offering clients more than just a massage.

“It was obvious to everyone they were not a real masseur; they were doing other things,” Mr Anis told Leader.

52 Florence St was declared a proscribed brothel on July 3 at Moorabbin Magistrates' Court..

Kingston mayor David Eden said the council takes reports of illegal brothels seriously and “act on them when we need to.”

He said the council had received several complaints about illegal brothels in recent years and was “responding to those as they come in”.

“Make sure you’re doing the right thing and conforming to the planning laws that are in place,” Cr Eden said.

“If you do the right thing, there won’t be an issue.”

Rachel Reilly, acting executive director of not-for-profit Project Respect, which supports women in the sex industry, applauded Kingston Council for taking action against illegal brothels.

Ms Reilly believed Kingston was in the minority of councils who took a hands-on approach making sure unlicensed brothels were shut down.

But she said urged Kingston to ensure the health and safety of women was a priority.

“(We’re asking for authorities to) make sure anyone in that space is linked in and provided access to relevant services they may require coming out of that space and to not criminalise the women as well; we have seen that in the past,” Ms Reilly said.

Florence Massage has been ordered to pay all costs Kingston incurred in its legal action.

City of Kingston Chief executive John Nevins said Florence Massage could reopen for a legal use in six months’ time. QJY can reopen in three months.

Anyone found in, or entering or leaving the premises is liable to a $6,000 fine ($12,000 fine for the owner) or imprisonment for 12 months.