Edmonton

Edmonton places moratorium on body rub shops

City wants to examine work conditions, recruitment, safety of sex workers

Edmonton is imposing a moratorium on new body rub parlours until January 2014.

The city will set up a committee to study the industry, looking at work conditions, how sex workers are recruited, and whether services exist to help them get out of the industry if they wish.

City council approved the moratorium Wednesday, without debate.

The city estimates there are 39 erotic massage parlours in Edmonton. That's fewer than in 2009 when the industry peaked at 49 licensed parlours.